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Temporibus autem quibusdam et aut officiis debitis aut rerum necessitatibus saepe eveniet ut et voluptates repudiandae sint et molestiae non recusandae. Itaque earum rerum hic tenetur a sapiente delectus, ut aut reiciendis voluptatibus maiores alias consequatur aut perferendis doloribus asperiores.
Temporibus autem quibusdam et aut officiis debitis aut rerum necessitatibus saepe eveniet ut et voluptates repudiandae sint et molestiae non recusandae. Itaque earum rerum hic tenetur a sapiente delectus, ut aut reiciendis voluptatibus maiores alias consequatur aut perferendis doloribus asperiores.
You may well think all ski shops have skis and all ski shops have boots and they’re all the same so all that matters is who has the cheapest price - but you couldn’t be further from the truth!
Most of the rest of this website is taken up with telling you all about what it is that makes our skis and our boots different from everyone else’s, and they certainly are way, way different from everyone else’s – but there’s more to us than just our equipment.
Just as important is our personality – what makes us tick! We’re not businessmen stuck in an office somewhere, moving numbers around to make money out of other people’s products. We’re people just like you. Some of us are instructors and some of us ski or board just for fun but we do this because we love the sport and we love the lifestyle. We’ve been in the ski hire game for 30 years now and almost a dozen of our team have been working with us since the mid 1990’s, so we’re all great friends rather than just work colleagues. All of this makes a massive difference, the atmosphere in the shops is young, fun and all about skiing or snowboarding – a real community of us,, our friends, and our clients many of whom have also become friends over the years.
We’re also not complacent. Although people are constantly telling us how good we are (thanks!), we don’t rest on our laurels. We are always looking for ways to adjust and fine tune what we do and how we do it so it’s even better every year. And what’s more we don’t compare ourselves against our competitors, we are constantly looking at how good WE want to be, whether we are there yet and how we can get there. Needless to say, we’re constantly moving the goalposts so the search for absolute perfection continues – but we’re getting closer and closer every year!
Booking with Snowberry combines the best of all worlds – the convenience of a modern and efficient online booking system with the personal touch and attention to detail of a face to face service.
Prior to making your booking, you’ll find pretty much everything we can think of that you might need to know on this site, but if there’s anything we’ve forgotten or you need more information about, just email us through the contact form and we’ll get right back to you. Whether you want to know more about the literally hundreds of different models of skis we have in stock, have an enquiry about our transport service, wonder which of our shops is more convenient for where you’ll be staying or want to check availability for our exclusive in-chalet fitting service, just drop us a line. We will usually get back to you within a few hours at most.
Once you’ve got all of the information you need, our online booking system has been designed exclusively by us. It’s not like most of the other booking sites you will find which are literally only interested in getting you to tick a couple of boxes and enter your card details! We don’t just ask you what ability level of skis you want, we ask you what kind of skiing you would like to do and give you the option to choose the age of your skis and of course what price you pay for them. We also record all of the other info we need to provide you with the best and most suitable equipment and not just “a pair of silver skis”, to properly and safely adjust your bindings in accordance with ISO standards and to prepare your booking and all of the paperwork before you come in to collect it.
Lastly, once we receive your booking it doesn’t just go into a computer system as it does with other shops. It goes straight into Susan’s email in box where she checks every detail to make sure it’s all correct and everything makes sense. Don’t be surprised if you get an email from us checking you’ve booked for the right date or renal period, suggesting you might find or other shop more convenient than the one you have booked for or saying that we think you might have over-estimated your ability as a 3 week skier and would probably be better with intermediate skis rather than the expert ones you have booked!
The personal service continues right up to your arrival day, through your holiday and beyond. Any problems, queries, or whatever, you just have to ask and we’ll get back to you right away. We are not bound by systems, small print and red tape. Our mantra is and always has been good, old-fashioned customer service so we’ll do whatever we can – within reason – to make sure your Snowberry ski hire is the best you’ve ever had.
GUARANTEED new equipment is very unusual in ski equipment rental, if not unheard of.
Most shops buy only a sprinkling of new equipment each year to window-dress their racks while the client still pays the same whether they’re one of the lucky ones who does get current season skis or – more likely – one of the unlucky ones who gets skis that can often be 5 or more seasons old.
Premium Range you’re guaranteed to ski on the very best of the new 2026 skis, from beginner right up to expert.
This is totally unique to Snowberry - no other shop or website gives you this guarantee.
GUARANTEED new equipment is very unusual in ski equipment rental, if not unheard of.
Newer skis obviously look a lot nicer to start with, less skiers mean less scratches and dints, and it’s great to be able to ski on the latest models and technologies.
However, the cosmetic appearance is only one aspect and doesn’t really make any difference to the performance of the skis. However, like everything else in life, skis don’t perform as well as they get older.
A ski straight out of the packet is full of life and rebound. As it gets a bit older the core materials start to break down. With constant bending and flexing the fibres in a wood core stretch and lose cohesion, while the micro-structure of a foam core loses its structure. This results in the ski losing its character, its pop and reactiveness, stability, strength and grip.
An older ski will feel dull, unresponsive and ultimately not much fun to ski on and the cheaper the materials are the quicker this will happen.
Older skis are never as good in icy, hard conditions as newer skis. With heavy use especially in hard conditions the ski’s metal edges naturally become more and more rounded greatly affecting edge grip. Also every time a ski is serviced the edges will get thinner which also affects grip, performance and smoothness. The older a ski is the harder it is to get the ski’s edge smooth and sharp.
With age and continuous servicing the base of a ski gets thinner and thinner and doesn’t hold wax quite as well so it doesn’t run as smoothly.
It’s not even just about the skis. Newer bindings are much safer - the springs are more accurate, and the binding won’t rip out, leading to a ruined day or a serious injury.
Watch out for what shops or websites say, or don’t say, about the age of their equipment. If they don’t say anything about how old their kit is then they are certainly not guaranteeing it will be new. And remember, words like “latest”, “recent” or “up to date” don’t mean new. If a shop is guaranteeing you new equipment, they will say so!
Guaranteed 'NEW' skis - Exclusive to www.snowberry-valdisere.com
Unforunately ski rental nowadays is saturated with cheap, poor quality equipment produced exclusively for the rental market and in most shops and on most websites you will now struggle to find ANYTHING else. Skis may look almost exactly like the real thing (the proper retail model) but they are completely different! They are madedifferently, they ski differently and they are always cheaper. Although many are marketed at good skiers they are really only suitable for low end skiers. This is just a cheap con!
It is now nearly impossible to rent proper retail specific equipment at all in most places.
On the left is the Faction Dancer 2X, one of the most popular all mountain skis in our Special / Expert range. On the right is actually an almost identical-looking ski called the Dancer 2X PM, designed as a cheap alternative for rental.
While it looks pretty similar to the proper high-end expert level ski we stock and has the same profile, its construction and therefore its performance is totally different.
Most importantly, the PM does away with the 2 layers of Titanal which are one of the major defining factors of the real ski, giving it the strength, power and grip which our clients love. It’s also a LOT cheaper! - but its NOT the same ski!
This is just one example of the sort of thing most commercial rental shops stock to cheapen their rental buying costs and to con you into thinking what you get from them is the same as what you will get from Snowberry.
All proper retail specific skis are designed with a specific purpose and ability level target in mind. Be it for a beginner skier, an advanced, technically competent skier, a skier wishing to ski all day on firm hard piste making wide sweeping turns or the skier wishing to float effortlessly through deep powder snow. Each target skier or terrain requires very different performance attributes from the ski. This is achieved from the geometrical design of the ski, the compexity and construction method and the quality of the materials used. This is what makes a retail specific ski more expensive.
Cheap rental specific skis are limited in their target performance bias because they are simply constructed using cheap, inferior materials and techniques.
A cheap rental specific ski by its very nature will NEVER perform at anything other than the most basic level and even that is sometimes questionnable. They are NOT the same!
If a skier is wishing to to anything other than slide sideways around on the snow with zero style and no progression then they need to be aware of the skis they are renting. It is madness to think that any level of skiing can be achieved skiing on some of the cheap rental skis that are now being pushed on the skiing public.
One of the most obvious things that differentiate proper high end retail skis from cheap, inferior rental specific skis is the construction method.
Most high end, quality skis will have a complex construction consisting of either sandwich / sidewall construction typical of skis designed for firmer snow and on-piste performance and a lighter cap / sidewall construction for all mountain and off-piste skis. The common factor is that the sidewall is strong and robust and the materials used are specific to the skis intended use and are of a high quality. This means that skis can be tailored to specific snow conditions and intended use, for example a race slalom ski.
Cheap rental skis on the other hand are simple in construction often either a full cap or a short sidewall cap construction. They are usually thinner especially through the middle of the ski and the materials used are soft and spongy with no defined performance intention.
This means that it is impossible to produce cheap rental skis with any specific performance character other than just sliding on the snow - you will never be able to ski these cheap skis to any level of ability meaning skiers are limited with their skiing and can never improve.
The core of the ski is the central part of a ski around which the rest of the ski is built.
There are two main materials used to construct a ski core - wood and foam - and both materials can be used in both cheaper skis and in higher end skis, the difference lies in the quality and complexity of the woods and foams used..
cheap wood core skis will use a single block of cheap fast growing wood that has an open fibre nature, is soft and results in a lifeless ski with no dynamic character.
With a high end ski a number of different slow grown, denser woods will be used, usually vertically laminated together. The types of woods selected will depend on the intended use of the ski - for example hard dense wood will be used to enhance edge grip on ice ie for a piste ski, while a lighter but strong wood may be used to reduce ski weight as in an off-piste ski. Complex combinations of different woods are used to get the best of all worlds by laminating different woods together.
a similar situation exists with foam cored skis. Very cheap skis are made by injecting foam into a hollow cap / mould. These are very quick and simple to produce but because the foam is an open cell character the resulting ski has absolutelly no character, is lifeless and dead. Skis made this way are cheap and nasty, and cannot be skied properly at all, they are no use for any level of skier and are really a waste of time and money..
This is the type of cheap rental specific ski that makes up the majority of low end commercial ranges seen on many a website.
Such skis are easily identified by their thin / cap construction appearance!
Another common area to consider with cheap rental skis which most skiers will be able to feel is with the ski’s edges.
The edges of cheap skis are made using soft cheap steel. This blunts very quickly especially on icy snow, the edge rounds off resulting in very poor edge grip.
These blunt, rounded steel edges are also harder to sharpen as far more metal needs to be removed to enable any sharp angle to be produced.
The base of the ski is the part of the ski that slides on the snow. The quality of the base, the molecular weight of the plastic p’tex material that is used to construct the base and the condition of the base which is determined by the quality of the base material all affect how smooth and fast a ski will glide on the snow.
There are 2 types of polyethelene or p’tex base material, the cheaper extruded base material and the more expensive but far superior sintered base material.
Extruded p’tex is made by heating up a batch of p’tex and then forcing the liquid mass through a hole, the resulting mass is then rolled out and flattened. This results in a low molecular weight - open cell, soft p’tex that is easy to wax but loses its wax quickly therefore dries out and furs up meaning the skis are slow and sticky. Bases are also soft and are prone to easy damage.
The more expensive sintered p’tex is manufactured by compressing liquid polyethelene under pressure and then trimming the resulting mass into strips. This manufacturing process produces a high molecular weight p’tex that because of its closed molecular structure is very hard. Skis glide more smoothly, are far faster as there is less snow friction, and are less prone to damage. Because of the closed structure they are harder to wax but once waxed they retain the wax for longer therefore don’t fur up, affecting performance.
It goes without saying that cheap rental specific skis are made using the former - cheap extruded bases.
Skis constructed with a high molecular weight sintered base are far superior in performance in all conditions but especially on hard snow and in soft, wet snow.
A ski’s character and performance bias is further fine tuned by the quality and type of laminate layers that are used to enhance the core such as titinal metal layers and / or fibreglass. The type, thickness and complexity of these laminate layers can vary enormously depending on the target performance bias.
With low-end cheaper skis where there is no real target performance level it is common to have no laminates present and even with supposed higher end skis where laminates are used they will be limited to keep production costs down as is the case with many recognisable models that aim to imitate the proper retail skis. In such cases more expensive metal laminates will be absent and fibreglass weaves will be thinner and simpler.
The resulting ski bears no similarity in terms of performance, skiability, edge grip, stability etc to the retail ski it is pretending to be.
NEW MODEL - Season 2026 Model
Snowberry are the only rental shop we know of that rents only retail specific equipment (skis and boots) It makes an enormous difference to the performance, safety and fit of our equipment!
Guaranteed 'RETAIL SPECIFIC' skis and boots - Exclusive to Snowberry
At Snowberry we go above and beyond when it comes to choice of ski models.
With different levels of equipment and multiple different model choice within these levels - we have an unmatched choice of ski models to select from - piste racecarve one day, off-piste the next - no-problems. And it’s free to change!
We can proudly say we carry one of the widest ranges of different styles and models of high end skis for rental anywhere in the World. We have over 1600 pairs of adult skis in our racks, spread over more than 100 different models for all ability levels from beginner to expert, with niche brands like Faction, Kastle and Black Crows as well as the well known big names. All skis are the full retail versions - we are the only shop to offer this - and most of our models you just won’t find available for rental anywhere else.
This is NOT normal with equipment rental but is so important. Everyone is different - skiing is very personal - and conditions are constantly changing. Having such a huge range is essential in providing the high standards of technical service we aim to provide and ensuring that every individual gets the most suitable ski for them.
This is an area that so many shops and websites ignore. Most have literally just a couple of different model options in each of their ranges and no specialist or high end models such as wide off-piste skis or racecarve piste skis. This keeps things cheaper for the shop and it’s easier for inexperienced staff members to hand out if they don’t have to understand a wide range of options BUT it means that renters are only ever offered basic skis with little or no option to change.
When you first come to collect your skis you won’t just be given a ski and told “there you are”, there will be options for you to choose from and our technicans (many are ski instructors) will explain them in detail and help you choose.
When we say you can change your skis any time you want, no matter why you want to change or what type of ski you’re after, we’ll have a selection of different options for you to choose from. Be aware that this is charged extra in some shops!.
We don’t just carry the mainstream popular sizes, we have the very short and very long ones too so you won’t be fobbed off with the wrong length.
Snowberry has by far the largest choice of different models available to rent anywhere
Traditionally when renting ski boots little effort is made to get the boots right. Shops only carry a few different models and they are usually wide fitting so that as many people as possible can get their feet into them. You get asked your shoe size and a pair of boots is thrown at you as if they were bowling shoes. Boots are usually at least a size if not two sizes too big and the wrong shape.
Often they will feel comfortable at the time of fitting (of course, your feet are not even touching the sides!) but once you start skiing your foot moves around, and your heel lifts offering no control over the ski, and you MAKE NO PROGRESS!
And on top of this a boot that’s too wide or too big can cause huge problems with discomfort, pain and cold feet.
Most intermediate skiers don’t know any better and will just put up with the pain and lack of performance.
Sound familiar?
At SNOWBERRY we have changed this atitude.
With nearly 40 years’ experience at the cutting edge of both sales and rental bootfitting we have developed our own unique and highly professional bootfitting system, refining the sales bootfitting process to work in rental. No other shop in the world does this.
We start not just by measuring your foot size (some shops don’t even do that) but with a 3D 8-point analysis of your whole foot and lower leg.
We then select the model from our range of over 40 different models of adult boots and more than 20 for children to follow most closely the overall 3D shape of your foot to give the closest and most comfortable fit.
Finally we personally fit and adjust the boot and if necessary customise the fit to take into account any problem areas.
As a result of all of this, the amount of success we have with our bootfitting is phenomenal – only a tiny percentage of our clients need to come back in to change their boots after their initial fitting (and we DO have plenty of other options for anyone who does) and we regularly get people asking to buy their rental boots from us at the end of their trip.
And lastly all of our rental boots are fitted with SIDAS skier orthotics to support and stabilise your foot giving more comfort and better performance.
Snowberry has developed a unique process for fitting ski boots in rental. This process is based on exactly the same principles you would experience in one of the world’s leading retail fitting centres and is based on a 3-Step Process.
The first stage of your boot fit is a thorough examination of both feet to allow us to select the correct shell shape and boot model.
This involves is a unique 8-point analysis –
This information is marked on our analysis form.
The information gained from your foot analysis enables us to select the most suitable boot from over 40 different models for adults and another 20 models for kids and juniors. The aim is to select the boot that best resembles the shape of your foot which will hold your foot firmly but comfortably - the key fit areas.
The key to good bootfitting is shell (model) selection. As every boot model varies in length, width, instep height, volume distribution, ankle and toe box areas, this is extremely difficult.
Wrong shell selection is the single biggest problem skiers have with rental boots.
Very few skiers actually know how to put a ski boot on and clip it up correctly.
For this reason, we personally fit every boot - opening the shell up, sliding your foot in and correctly clipping it up, explaining the importance of this process - especially regarding comfort, boot performance, cold feet and safety issues regarding binding release.
Do not underestimate the importance of this. It sets the foot correctly in the boot, and believe it or not, improves your skiing performance and keeps your feet more comfortable and warmer.
Proper boot-fitting starts by stabilizing the foot and limiting the dynamic mobility of the foot which is the main limiting factor when trying to fit boots correctly. To do this we put orthotics in every boot.
The orthotic is THE ESSENTIAL, without one you will end up with a boot that is far too big, the result - your foot will move around leading to lack of control, pain and discomfort.
It is impossible to fit a ski boot correctly without firstly stabilising the foot using a skier specific orthotic - it simply cannot be done!
Snowberry are the ONLY shop that we know of that actively uses a system of orthotics in ALL our rental boots (even for juniors).
Draw what conclusions you wish from this!
It is safe to say that every single skier, beginner to expert, needs some sort of sports orthotic in their ski boot.
Proper boot-fitting starts by stabilizing the foot and limiting the dynamic mobility of the foot which is the main limiting factor when trying to select the correct shell shape and fit a boot correctly.
To do this we use a skier orthotic.
The orthotic is THE ESSENTIAL part of bootfitting, without one you cannot select the correct shell size and shape and will end up having to use a boot that is far too big, the result - your foot will move around leading to lack of control, pain and discomfort.
It is impossible to fit a ski boot correctly without firstly stabilising the foot using a skier specific orthotic - it simply cannot be done!
Snowberry are the ONLY shop that we know of that actively uses a system of orthotics in ALL our rental boots (even for juniors).
Draw what conclusions you wish from this!
The human foot is an extremely complex structure. It's dynamic in character and constantly changes its shape, volume, height and length as you weight and unweight it - ie as you flex in a ski boot.
So how on earth are you supposed to fit this foot – with no fixed shape or length - into the fixed confines of a hard plastic ski boot without it being at best uncomfortable and at worst excruciatingly painful?
The easy answer is by fitting a boot that is far to big.
Remember that every boot model has a slightly different shape so only certain models are suitable for certain feet.
Only by using an orthotic can we fit you in the correct shape and size of boot.
It is absolutely correct to say that you cannot fit select the correct boot shell and therefore fit a ski boot properly without first addressing foot instability issues.
The orthotic also has many other benefits relating to comfort and ultimately performance.
The orthotic also has many other benefits relating to comfort and ultimately performance.
By supporting and stabilising the foot an orthotic will help to reduce foot movement in the boot which can cause rubbing and bruising. Blood flow is also improved resulting in warmer toes.
A supported foot has better contact with the boot and ski resulting in better feeling and control and it also improves body alignment - all of which lead to better performance.
If you have hired ski boots elsewhere in the past you may very well have experienced at least some of the following problems, all of which can be improved by using an orthotic -
PROBLEM your foot moves inside your boot
PROBLEM you tend to over tighten the front clips of your boots
PROBLEM you sometimes suffer from cramping under the foot
PROBLEM your forefoot goes numb especially when skiing hard
PROBLEM you suffer from cold feet
PROBLEM you get rubbing on your inside ankle bone
PROBLEM your foot continually aches and hurts
PROBLEM you get bruising on your shin
PROBLEM your toes hit the ends of your boots
PROBLEM you find it hard to control your skis
PROBLEM your ski tips wobble when you travel straight
PROBLEM you find edging difficult
PROBLEM you’re getting blisters
PROBLEM you have a bunion
At Snowberry when our new delivery of boots arrives at the beginnig of every season we take out the flat insoles which come with the boots, throw them away and replace them with proper skier orthotics
Of course it’s very expensive for us to do this (and that’s why no other hire shop anywhere that we know of does), but in our view it is essential to the correct fitting of our clients’ boots and to their comfort, performance and enjoyment on the mountain.
WE ARE THE ONLY SHOP IN EUROPE TO PUT SKIER ORTHOTICS IN EVERY BOOT
In most ski shops, the focus is on retail and that’s where all the experienced technical staff work. Rental is the poor relation, down in the back of the basement and staffed by Saturday boys or one season wonders whose main job is just to get people in and out as quickly as possible.
Not so at Snowberry! Rental is all we do, it’s our be-all-and-end-all and it’s what we focus ALL of our 30 staff members on.
Between us we have over 300 seasons of experience in the ski industry and a dozen of us are qualified ski instructors. Nine of us have been at Snowberry since we started in 2007 (incredibly this is Snowberry’s 20th season!) and half a dozen of us have actually been working together in ski hire in Val d’Isere since last century while some of this season’s team’s parents also worked with us back then!
The new recruits who are joining us this year have been hand picked from nearly 200 applicants, all have sporting and customer service backgrounds and undergo an intensive training programme run by our own Jock Dun who is widely regarded throughout the industry as one of the most knowledgeable and most innovative people in the worldwide ski rental business.
And as for the language, well there’s nothing worse than trying to understand the intricacies of ski technology or explain where your boots are uncomfortable to someone who doesn’t speak the same language as you. Post-Brexit it’s harder than it used to be to find English speakers working in European resorts but it’s not a problem at Snowberry. Our staff members this season come from 9 different countries around the world from Australia and South Africa in the South to Canada in the North, via the Uk and a whole handful of countries in Europe, but one thing we all have in common is that English is our first language.
No matter where you’re staying in Val d’Isère, from Le Fornet to La Daille and everywhere in between, Snowberry is your closest and easiest ski hire shop.
Our courtesy transport service runs all weekend. Just call our dedicated transport line and we will send one of our go-anywhere landrovers to collect you, bring you to the shop to be fitted with your equipment and then take you back afterwards.
Just call this number on arrival into resort -
Ski Hire Isn't All The Same
Other shops may charge you for the luxury of changing your skis, or say you can change as often as you like but end up having nothing suitable when you do want something else. At Snowberry not only do we offer unlimited free changes within the same price point, we also have over 1600 pairs of skis in stock, covering over 100 different models.
So whether you’re planning a day off-piste, the conditions have changed overnight, you want to have a go on a snowboard for a day or you just don’t like the first skis you have, we will always have plenty of options for you and without a change fee, of course.
Ski Hire Isn't All The Same
Our overnight storage facility at our Slopeside shop just across from the nursery slopes and main lifts gives you’re the luxury of dropping your equipment off with us every evening and collecting it again in the morning. No more lugging it all back to the chalet every night with tired and hungry kids in tow, or head straight to après ski without your skis or boots to bother about.
Ski Hire Isn't All The Same
Proper ski and boot hire is not simple, straight forward or guaranteed, it requires a high degree of technical knowledge, experience and input to get it correct.
Listening to your needs and advising you on the best most suitable gear and then fitting it correctly is key to you having an enjoyable and positive skiing experience. And believe me this is NOT easy or straight forward. This needs a high level of technical knowledge and experience.
Our staff team are our secret ingredient.
No ‘untrained Saturday boys’, we are true technical experts, we have some of the most experienced staff in the ski industry.
We worked out we have almost 200 seasons of combined experience in the business between us.
Most of us are qualified ski instructors, and some have been with us for over 25 years, so we know what we are doing.
And we all speak English as a first language.
Return your equipment earlier than planned and other shops will only refund you if you are ill or injured, only with a medical cetificate and only for the person actually injured – not much good if a parent also has to stop skiing to look after an ill child.
Our policy for early return of our hired equipment is totally transparent and honest. You only pay for the equipment for the length of time you have it, so if you return all or part of your equipment earlier than intended we will give you an immediate refund for the remaining hire period, regardless of the reason for the early return.
Please note equipment must be returned in order to receive a refund and that you must return the equipment by close of business the day before to receive a refund for the following day.
Ski Hire Isn't All The Same
Our range of models selected specifically for learning and developing early skiing skills. The key to skis in this category is ease of use and forgiveness – they give you time to correct a mistake before they react.
We have unisex skis and lighter skis specifically designed for girls.
Tip and tail widths allow the ski to be easily slid and skidded around, ideal for learning the basic essential skills of pivoting and snowplough. The sidecut profile is purposely straighter, therefore less aggressive than a higher-level ski, and skis are wider underfoot providing a stable platform for a beginner to stand on. This also means a relatively shallow depth of sidecut which is less catchy and will not throw the skier off balance with every mistake.
A long-ish tip and rounded and turned up tail give a relatively short effective edge and allow the skis to be easily manouvered without the tip and tail catching – very important when learning.
These are soft flexing skis so they’re easy to push into an arc helping the skier to feel the edge, to pressure the ski and to turn at low speeds.
A soft camber means reduced grip and adds to the forgiveness, preventing the tip and tail being catchy and making it easy to push the ski into reverse- camber with minimum resistance. This again results in the ski being easy to bend and turn.
A small amount of rocker at both tip and the tail again makes it easier to skid and slide the ski around without the tip and tail catching.
Ski models are carefully selected for first time skier who wish to learn the early principles of skiing and progress quickly.
Our next level of skis is aimed at developing skiers who that have got to grips with the basics - balance, snowplough etc. Skiers at this level are progressing from basic parallel, starting to ski in more control and learning how to use the edge and sidecut of the ski and carve their turns.
Models have been carefully selected with a slightly more performance bias while still being easy to use.
Selected models have a more defined sidecut profile than our pure beginner skis, wider at the tip and tail and narrower at the waist ( deeper depth of sidecut ) which means that when the ski is tipped over onto its edge and pressure applied through the centre of the ski the ski will bend, naturally form a curve and initiate a carved turn.
A slightly narrower waist of 75mm is still not too aggressive and gives a nice stable platform to stand on. The slightly deeper depth of sidecut means skis are slightly quicker edge to edge and slightly more reactive making it easier to develop a turn and carve the ski which is the goal at this level.
At this level of piste skis, tip and tail technology becomes more relevant. Ski tips are short and snub nosed and tails are shorter and squarer. This allows the ski’s edge length to become more efficient i.e. longer effective edge for the overall running length of the ski meaning the skier van use more manageable and shorter skis on-piste without compromising edge grip.
One thing that is important is the soft but square tail, which helps to hold the ski in the turn but is catch free and easy to release and skid / slide at the end of the turn. This helps the skier to develop carving skills without the problem of being locked in the turn.
Skis still have a relatively soft longitudinal flex meaning that they will still bend into an arc and turn easily, but they are stiffer than at beginner level so they better support the developing skier throughout the turn at slightly higher speeds. Torsion is also slightly stiffer and camber slightly more powerful than at total beginner level, again giving more stability and drive throughout the turn.
Slightly rockered tip allows easy catch free turn entry making it easier to tip the ski over and engage the beginning of the turn.
This is the go-to category for skiers who have mastered the beginner stage and are looking to keep improving.
Our intermediate to advanced level skis cover a wide range of abilities and aspirations, from comfortable intermediate skiers to those who are pushing themselves to the next level. Skis in this range have a bigger engine, they will perform when pushed but at the same time allow you to take it easy and let you away with mistakes. Performance with forgiveness – that is the target!
We have over 20 different models to select from, each offering something slightly different but all for use on prepared piste with models suitable for intermediate to more proficient advanced skiers.
With a characteristic sidecut of around 124 / 74 / 109, skis are designed for smooth flowing turns on piste, transitioning between shorter, slalom turns and longer giant slalom-like ones, and everything in-between. Versatility is the name. of the game.
The wider tip allows easy turn initiation when the ski is tipped over and driven, while the 74mm waist provides a good stable platform but is narrow enough to facilitate the ski bending and carving while providing excellent grip.
Ski tails at this level are generally wider and stronger helping with the ski grip through to the end of the turn.
Tips are typically snub nosed, and tails are flattish and relatively square – the ideal shape for piste specific skis.
A snub-nosed tip engages quickly when tipped over for fast and accurate turn initiation while a more aggressive and flattish, square tail ensures that the ski will hold on to the turn through to the end if required. At the same time the tip is slightly tapered and not too stiff so it will still release from the turn easily if your carving technique is not quite there yet or to get out of a tricky situation.
Effective edge length is typical longish compared to standing height for good piste-specific skis allowing the skier to optimise ski length relative to edge grip.
Models in this category are generally slightly stiffer both longitudinally and torsionally, and cambers are stronger. This means skis are more performance orientated, will be more responsive and reactive, will grip better on firmer snow and will be more stable at higher speeds.
Although skis at this level are aimed at more developed skiers a piste tip rocker is still common and will give the ski the forgiving characteristics required – easy to transition between turns with no unwanted surprise.
These are the go-to ski for on-piste intermediate to early advanced level skiers with a reasonably developed technique that are reasonably confident carving turns on most types of pisted slopes, whether they are happy at this level or see it as a stepping stone to the next stage.
We have an excellent choice of unisex models and slightly lighter and softer female specific models.
Our range of piste-specific skis for high-end skiers is designed specifically for more advanced use on prepared piste and firm, hard snow.
We have over 15 different models to select from offering a range of turn.
Typical characteristics of more advanced piste skis include a more defined sidecut - a narrower waist and wider tip and tail. This gives the ski a deeper depth of sidecut which means when tipped over on their edges, skis will allow the skier to make clean, strong, carved turns. The narrower width underfoot also contributes to exceptional grip in icy conditions.
A wide, snub-nosed tip gives maximum liveliness and allows for fast, strong turn initiation and initial grip when entering the turn. The tail is also wide, strong and flat which allows the ski to grip and hold onto the turn right through to the end. Effective edge is long compared to the running length of the ski giving strong grip without compromising manoeuvrability.
In general these skis will have a stiffer flex and powerful camber which results in excellent grip in icy conditions and greater stablility when skiing at high speeds. They do need to be skied at higher speeds though.
Most models will have a small amount of tip rocker- say 5% - which helps with turn initiation but tails will be flat for grip to the end of the turn.
We often see more complex construction techniques and materials used in more advanced performance models such as the use of titanal laminates and more complex fibreglass lay ups. Traditional sidewall construction is also predominant at this level (watch out for cheap look-alikes which have caps and foam cores)
Models in this category are generally more aggressive, stiffer and harder to ski on. Skiers therefore need to be more advanced with a reasonably developed style and confident in carving a ski no matter the difficulty of the slope, the snow conditions, or their speed. If you are at this level, these skis are a huge amount of fun.
The all mountain skis in this category are designed as the name implies for use both on and off-piste in softer, slightly deeper and more variable conditions than the pure piste options which excel on harder snow. They are equally at home in spring snow in the back-country, a few inches of new snow off the edge or choppier, bumpier or slightly deeper snow on-piste.
All mountain skis differ from true piste skis by being slightly wider through their length – in the tip, waist and tail. Because the ski is wider, especially at the waist, it will float more allowing it to perform better in more variable snow conditions such as new snow falls, chopped up snow, crud and slush while still having enough definition in the sidecut for respectable edge to edge performance and grip for carving on harder snow.
The tip of all mountain ski is generally slightly longer than a true piste ski which helps the front of the ski to ride up above the snow in more variable conditions – this is a key feature of any all-mountain ski.
A wider waist makes it easier to navigate in choppier snow while the tail is often slightly more rounded and turned up, again making skiing easier in less favourable conditions.
Skis however still have a pronounced sidecut which allows them to ski well on firmer snow.
In general flex and camber are slightly softer than an out-and-out piste ski, but still strong enough to provide adequate grip and stability when required on firmer snow.
Skis typically have a tip and tail rocker, making them easy and light to turn on piste.In slightly deeper snow the rocker tip will ride above the snow surface and push through shallow snow that has been chopped up.
Narrower all mountain skis are generally very forgiving and versatile, great for all day use in variable snow conditions and much easier to ski for someone who is still pushing themselves but maybe not quite there yet than an out-and-out piste ski at a similar level..
A totally unique range of skis you’ll not find anywhere else, our Expert-level Piste category features 15 different niche models of the very best of the best skis on the market. Skis are designed for use on prepared pistes and are at home on firm snow and in icy conditions offering excellent grip and stability at speed. The range includes full on race skis as well race carve models and features a variety of profiles and construction features for short, medium or longer turn preferences.
High performance piste skis are designed to be skied hard and fast, tipped over on their edges and carved – this is where they truly excel.
Models are characterised particularly by their sidecut profile – wide tip and tails and narrow waists. When skis are banked over onto the edge, the tip engages pulling the ski into the initial phase of the turn. As the ski is pressured through the centre and the tail engages the ski will bend ( it’s forced into reverse camber ) and forms a curve. The wide tail finishes the turn by gripping at the middle and end. This is the essence of a carved turn.
Another feature that is important with higher end piste skis is the very defined shapes of their tips and tails. Tips are short and snub nosed for very quick turn initiation and the tail is very flat and square to hold onto the turn for grim death right to the very end. Effective edge is generally long but varies depending on the intended turn preference of the ski.
The stronger the flex and camber of the ski are the more powerful and stable the turn will be – the better the ski will grip on ice and the more stable the ski will be at speed. These skis are all very stiff both longitudinally and torsionally and have exceptionally strong camber, increasing effective edge contact when the ski is pushed and further adding to stability and edge grip on icy and steep slopes.
Race and racecarve skis at this level tend to be full camber with no rocker.
These skis tend to feature complicated construction technologies – multiple strengthening layers made of metal alloys combined with complex fibreglass or similar materials to increase rebound and liveliness and high quality wood layers in the core to give strength and smoothness combined with dynamism and response. Traditional sandwich/sidewall construction is universally used in these skis giving great torsional rigidity, immediate response and powerful edge grip.
For a strong, expert skier there is nothing like the feeling of effortlessly carving a proper high-end piste ski on a perfectly groomed slope. Not for the faint-hearted though – you do need to be able to make clean carved turns at high speeds to get the most from these skis. They are also not designed for use in deeper snow, heavy slush, or chopped up cruddy conditions.
Our Expert All Mountain Frontside category of skis features 10 different niche models of the very best of the best narrow all mountain skis on the market. Versatility is the key word when describing skis in this category. Our selected models are equally at home on flat, groomed snow on traditional prepared pistes, in slightly deeper snow, in slush, bumps and chopped up snow after a recent snow fall or in slightly deeper conditions off the side. Great fun all day, all over the resort.
All Mountain Frontside skis differ from pure piste-specific models in several ways, the most obvious being sidecut profile. Typically, a pure piste ski will have a profile like 121 / 70 / 101 whereas an all mountain frontside ski will be more like 120 / 86 / 110– a centimetre or more wider from the waist backwards. This wider profile is why all mountain skis perform better in deeper more variable snow conditions – they float better in deeper snow, riding above the surface making skiing easier, while the tip at a similar width to a piste ski still engages quickly in the turn on harder snow.
Tip and tail profile is one of the most obvious features of all mountain skis which differentiates them visually and in every other way from pure piste skis. The wider you get, the more obvious the difference becomes. All mountain skis tend to have elongated noses to help with flotation and to enable the ski to ride above unexpected terrain variations. The tail is usually rounded and turned up meaning it’s less grippy than a piste ski and easier to slip and slide around.
All mountain skis are softer both longitudinally and torsionally than piste models at the same sort of level, making the ski more able to cope with a variety of conditions, helping with flotation and making it less likely to dive in deeper snow.
These skis tend to have a decent amount of rocker at both tip and tail coupled with a fairly weak camber, reducing grip and meaning again that the ski can cope better with varying conditions. Effective edge is quite short compared to the overall running length of the ski.
All models are top of the range skis so skiers selecting this category must be technically good, however by their very design all mountain frontside skis are slightly more forgiving than out and out piste racecarve skis and are more tolerant to slightly less competent skiers.
Our Expert All Mountain – All Terrain category of skis features 10 different niche models of the very best of the best medium width all mountain skis on the market.
Skis in this category are characterised by their wider profiles and are designed to be very versatile all over the mountain on- and off-piste. Even at the mid 90s underfoot, they are surprisingly good in most piste conditions but they’re also very versatile in deeper, more variable and chopped up snow and easy to throw around, skid and slide in changeable and tricky conditions. Of course they will never have the speed edge to edge or incredible edge grip of a full on expert level racecarve ski, nor will they float in knee deep powder like something 110 underfoot with an enormous rocker, but they’re not supposed to.
These skis are wide through the length of the ski. The typical sidecut profile of an All Mountain – All Terrain ski would be 127-96-117 compared to a piste ski at maybe 121 / 70 / 101 and a frontside all-mountain model at 120/86/110. The result is far greater floatation in variable and deeper snow with the compromise that the tip on an all mountain all terrain model will engage less quickly in the turn.
On the downside the increased width through the length of the ski does mean that skis are slower edge-to-edge ( further to travel when tipping the ski over ) and are therefore less responsive, accurate and reactive.
Tip and tail shape is also designed to help deeper snow performance and flotation. These skis have a long ,rounded nose coupled with a rounded and turned up tail .
All Mountain -All Terrain Skis tend to be quite soft flexing longitudinally with a smooth and even flex pattern along the length of the ski. Torsionally, now that we’re into the mid 90s underfoot you could expect the ski to collapse but actually many of the better skis in this category feature one or more metal layers and are reasonably stiff torsionally which helps with their performance in harder conditions and groomed snow.
Skis in this category tend to have quite a bit of rocker at both tip and tail coupled with a relatively weak camber, these help the ski power through chopped up snow and difficult conditions with ease. The big rockers do mean the effective edge is quite short so be careful not to go for a ski that’s too short in its overall running length otherwise you will badly hamper performance on harder snow and groomed piste.
All models in this category are top of the range skis so skiers must be technically good, however by their very design all terrain skis are slightly more forgiving than out and out piste racecarve skis and therefore more accessible to slightly less competent skiers.
Our range of 10 all mountain – backside (off-piste ) skis are specialist wide skis designed specifically for use in deeper snow conditions - primarily off-piste. You will not find this type of ski in many rental shops – period.
High performance piste skis are designed to be skied hard and fast, tipped over on their edges and carved – this is where they truly excel.
Skis in this category are characterised by their very wide profiles and are specifically designed for use in deep snow and more variable snow conditions all over the mountain particularly off-piste. All models are at least 99 mms at the waist and a typiclal sidecut profile is 139/112 /129. This means all models have great floatation properties when used in deep snow. Do not expect them to perform well on groomed piste, hard packed snow or ice though!
These skis generally have very very long tips and tails for increased flotation in deeper and softer snow and to give the tail plenty of versatility to deal with unexpected conditions. The affective edge tends to be very very short but it doesn’t matter, these skis are not designed for carving.
We have a choice between skis with a softer flex pattern ( fibreglass only laminate ) that are ideally suited to lighter, fresh snow and stiffer or stronger skis ( titinal laminates ) that are great when charging through deeper chopped up conditions and slush. These stronger skis are also offer better edge grip on firmer snow and ice.
Skis in this range tend to have huge rockers at both tip and tail. The “floaty” models have very little camber whereas the “chargy” ones do have a stronger camber for better drive and edge grip.
These skis are great at what they are designed for but they are not skis for all round skiing. They are designed for a purpose and need to be skied by technically skilled and strong skiers in the conditions they are meant for to get the most from them. For many people, more a ski to be swapped onto for a day with a guide off piste than something to rent for your whole week.
This is our entry level junior range of skis ideal for first time skiers to confident early intermediates. Skis are light so easy to manoever (and carry!), forgiving to ski on and encouraging development to the next level.
A range of more advanced junior ski models ideal for the developing younger skiers to learn how to use their edges and carve turns. Our selected models have a defined sidecut and stronger core construction allowing for better grip at faster speeds.
Recommended for children who have skied 4 or more weeks depending on progress.
This is our range of very high performance, top level junior skis for expert junior skiers - generally those who have skied several times a season for many years, grown up in or close to a ski resort or club skiers. We have full-on race SL and GS models for children who are race training or competing as well as more all round race carve skis for high end general piste use.
We carry the full size range of each model but the sizes produced depend on the style of ski. If your child is towards the lower end of the age or height range mentioned above please contact us prior to booking to discuss the options available.
This is a unique range of proper all mountain skis for children – junior versions of the most popular adult all mountain skis including the Nprdica Enforcer, Faction Dancer and Kastle ZX Alpha - other hire shops do NOT stock this stuff! These skis are ideal for better, more confident junior skiers to venture into deeper more variable snow conditions and have fun with the rest of the family all over the mountain.
We carry the full size range of each model but the sizes produced depend on the style of ski. If your child is towards the lower end of the age or height range mentioned above please contact us prior to booking to discuss the options available.
Our top end junior skis are designed for children who have grown up in resorts or skiing several times a year or who race on dry slopes or snow. We have SL and GS style junior race skis and a small range of junior all mountain and off piste models. These skis need to be skied properly so your child needs to be a strong skier. Suitable for children from around 9 to 12 years depending on their height. Stock is limited especially in peak weeks so please book well in advance.
Our top end junior skis are designed for children who have grown up in resorts or skiing several times a year or who race on dry slopes or snow. We have SL and GS style junior race skis and a small range of junior all mountain and off piste models. These skis need to be skied properly so your child needs to be a strong skier. Suitable for children from around 9 to 12 years depending on their height. Stock is limited especially in peak weeks so please book well in advance.
Our top end junior skis are designed for children who have grown up in resorts or skiing several times a year or who race on dry slopes or snow. We have SL and GS style junior race skis and a small range of junior all mountain and off piste models. These skis need to be skied properly so your child needs to be a strong skier. Suitable for children from around 9 to 12 years depending on their height. Stock is limited especially in peak weeks so please book well in advance.
A totally unique range of skis you’ll not find anywhere else, our Expert Plus category features 23 different models of the very best of the best skis on the market. Choose from short, medium and long-turning piste and racecarve skis – frontside, 50:50 and backside all-mountain options – specialist off-piste models and proper park skis. Niche brands and models that no-one else carries in rental, for good advanced level skiers upwards.
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Our beginner skis aren’t older skis for better skiers, downgraded to beginner level when they’re past their best. They are proper beginner skis for beginner skiers, specifically designed for learning – soft flexing so they’re easy to turn and don’t throw you off balance with every mistake, and wider underfoot to stop them catching and give you plenty of stability.
CDesigned for skiers who have got to grips with the basics and are starting to ski faster and progressing from plough to parallel. These skis are narrower and stiffer than at beginner level so they support the developing skier throughout the turn at slightly higher speeds; are quicker edge to edge, grip better, react more quickly and don’t collapse when edged but encourage carving.
This category covers a wide range of abilities from developed intermediates to technically-skilled skiers who like to take things gently. At the lower level, ski construction and geometry encourage continual development towards clean carving while still allowing you to skid the end of the turn to get out of trouble. Higher end skis in this range are equivalent to the top level offered by most other shops and while mainly focused on groomed slope use also include a range of narrow all mountain skis for deeper conditions.
Our top ranges of equipment are one thing that really differentiates us from other shops. Most shops don’t carry this stuff at all and those that do will have a couple of options, possibly cheap rental look-alikes. We have over 20 different models of brand new, proper top end, retail specific skis in our Advanced To Expert range, We don’t just say you can change your equipment if you want, we have almost endless options for you to change into during your stay.
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Our beginner range of junior skis are wide underfoot for balance and stability and soft flexing, making them easy to turn and meaning they don’t react immediately to the slightest wobble, allowing your child to correct mistakes rather than falling over. The whole point is for them to have fun while learning to ski. Skis go down to 65cms for children as young as two or three and go up to age 12.
Our beginner range of junior skis are wide underfoot for balance and stability and soft flexing, making them easy to turn and meaning they don’t react immediately to the slightest wobble, allowing your child to correct mistakes rather than falling over. The whole point is for them to have fun while learning to ski. Skis go down to 65cms for children as young as two or three and go up to age 12.
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Our top end junior skis are designed for children who have grown up in resorts or skiing several times a year or who race on dry slopes or snow. We have SL and GS style junior race skis and a small range of junior all mountain and off piste models. These skis need to be skied properly so your child needs to be a strong skier. Suitable for children from around 9 to 12 years depending on their height. Stock is limited especially in peak weeks so please book well in advance.
Our top end junior skis are designed for children who have grown up in resorts or skiing several times a year or who race on dry slopes or snow. We have SL and GS style junior race skis and a small range of junior all mountain and off piste models. These skis need to be skied properly so your child needs to be a strong skier. Suitable for children from around 9 to 12 years depending on their height. Stock is limited especially in peak weeks so please book well in advance.
Our top end junior skis are designed for children who have grown up in resorts or skiing several times a year or who race on dry slopes or snow. We have SL and GS style junior race skis and a small range of junior all mountain and off piste models. These skis need to be skied properly so your child needs to be a strong skier. Suitable for children from around 9 to 12 years depending on their height. Stock is limited especially in peak weeks so please book well in advance.
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Snowberry has developed a unique process for fitting ski boots in rental. This process is based on exactly the same principles you would experience in one of the world’s leading retail fitting centres and is based on a 3-Step Process.
The first stage of your boot fit is a thorough examination of both feet to allow us to select the correct shell shape and boot model.
This involves is a unique 8-point analysis –
The information gained from your foot analysis enables us to select the most suitable boot from over 60 different models for adults and another 27 models for kids. The aim is to select the boot that best resembles the shape of your foot which will hold your foot firmly but comfortably.
The key to good bootfitting is shell (model) selection. As every boot model varies in length, width, instep height, volume distribution, ankle and toe box areas, this is extremely difficult.
Wrong shell selection is the single biggest problem skiers have with rental boots.
Very few skiers actually know how to put a ski boot on and clip it up correctly.
For this reason, we personally fit every boot - opening the shell up, sliding your foot in and correctly clipping it up, explaining the importance of this process - especially regarding comfort, boot performance, cold feet and safety issues regarding binding release.
Do not underestimate the importance of this. It sets the foot correctly in the boot, and believe it or not, improves your skiing performance and keeps your feet more comfortable and warmer.
Proper boot-fitting starts by stabilizing the foot and limiting the dynamic mobility of the foot which is the main limiting factor when trying to fit boots correctly. To do this we put orthotics in every boot.
The orthotic is THE ESSENTIAL, without one you will end up with a boot that is far too big, the result - your foot will move around leading to lack of control, pain and discomfort.
It is impossible to fit a ski boot correctly without firstly stabilising the foot using a skier specific orthotic - it simply cannot be done!
Snowberry are the ONLY shop that we know of that actively uses a system of orthotics in ALL our rental boots (even for juniors).
Draw what conclusions you wish from this!
It’s really important that you put your boots on properly every morning. Even though they’re the right size and the right shape, putting boots on incorrectly can result in all sorts of problems – cold feet, sore toes, shin pain and instep and forefoot pressure can all result from putting your boots on wrongly. Your skiing performance can also be adversely affected!
You’d be surprised how many people who’ve been skiing for years don’t know the right way to put their boots on.
For this reason, we show every one of our boot clients how to put their boots on and how to clip up properly.
Standing up, make sure your socks are suitable and are pulled up properly, no wrinkles and are nice and smooth.
Wrinkles and lumps inside the boots can cause rubbing and blisters.
Undo all the clips and open the first boot right up.
Pull the tongue forward AND to the side at the same time – this makes a nice big hole to get your foot in.
Slide your foot in, down and round the corner of the hinge point.
Your toes should slide right to the front of the boot and feel firm against the end of the boot. Don’t panic this is normal and is a sign that the boot is the correct size. When we clip the boot up your toes will be pulled back in the boot away from the front.
Now push your heel well down into the heel pocket at the back of the boot.
Now tap your heel firmly on the ground to force your heel as far back into the boot heel pocket as possible. This will set your heel back into the heelcup of the boot, and your ankle bone into the ankle pocket – the control point of the boot.
Your instep will be pulled back into the highest point of the shell, the forefoot back into the widest point of the shell and your toes will be pulled back from the front of the shell.
Setting the foot correctly is vital to ensure the optimum fit of the boot, improving both general comfort and performance but also specifically aiding forefoot blood supply and helping with cold feet.
Now we need to lock the foot in this position so with the heel set, do the boots up IN THIS ORDER.
In this order –
This is where most people get it wrong!
Tip - If you have a very high instep loosely fasten clip 3 up first to close the boot overlap so that it does not catch.
Stand up and flex into the boot a few times to really slide the heel back into the heel pocket.
Now tighten up the top two buckles to firmly lock the foot in position.
Starting with clip 2 alternate clip 2 then clip 1, one ratchet at a time. Repeat until clips are firmly closed.
Clip 2 is the most important as it holds your heel in the heel pocket of the boot, so it needs to be nice and tight.
Clip 1 should be tight but not uncomfortably so. If it is too tight it can squeeze the calf muscle cutting off the blood supply down the back of the leg.
The micro-adjustments on the buckles can be used to fine-tune the fit.
Loosely close the power band at this point.
Now hook the two forefoot buckles over the first ratchet and flex a few more times.
Next close them properly but NOT TOO TIGHTLY. They should just be tight enough for you to feel the boot around your foot and no more.
Any tighter and you’ll end up with all sorts of problems!
Lastly, re-tighten the power strap so it’s tight but comfortable. Again, you don’t want it cutting off the circulation to your lower leg and foot.
It is safe to say that every single skier, beginner to expert, needs some sort of sports orthotic in their ski boot.
Proper boot-fitting starts by stabilizing the foot and limiting the dynamic mobility of the foot which is the main limiting factor when trying to select the correct shell shape and fit a boot correctly.
To do this we use a skier orthotic.
The orthotic is THE ESSENTIAL part of bootfitting, without one you cannot select the correct shell size and shape and will end up having to use a boot that is far too big, the result - your foot will move around leading to lack of control, pain and discomfort.
It is impossible to fit a ski boot correctly without firstly stabilising the foot using a skier specific orthotic - it simply cannot be done!
Snowberry are the ONLY shop that we know of that actively uses a system of orthotics in ALL our rental boots (even for juniors).
Draw what conclusions you wish from this!
The human foot is an extremely complex structure. It's dynamic in character and constantly changes its shape, volume, height and length as you weight and unweight it - ie as you flex in a ski boot.
So how on earth are you supposed to fit this foot – with no fixed shape or length - into the fixed confines of a hard plastic ski boot without it being at best uncomfortable and at worst excruciatingly painful?
The easy answer is by fitting a boot that is far to big.
Remember that every boot model has a slightly different shape so only certain models are suitable for certain feet.
Only by using an orthotic can we fit you in the correct shape and size of boot.
It is absolutely correct to say that you cannot fit select the correct boot shell and therefore fit a ski boot properly without first addressing foot instability issues.
The orthotic also has many other benefits relating to comfort and ultimately performance.
By supporting and stabilising the foot an orthotic will help to reduce foot movement in the boot which can cause rubbing and bruising. Blood flow is also improved resulting in warmer toes.
A supported foot has better contact with the boot and ski resulting in better feeling and control and it also improves body alignment - all of which lead to better performance.
If you have hired ski boots elsewhere in the past you may very well have experienced at least some of the following problems, all of which can be improved by using an orthotic -
PROBLEM your foot moves inside your boot
PROBLEM you tend to over tighten the front clips of your boots
PROBLEM you sometimes suffer from cramping under the foot
PROBLEM your forefoot goes numb especially when skiing hard
PROBLEM you suffer from cold feet
PROBLEM you get rubbing on your inside ankle bone
PROBLEM your foot continually aches and hurts
PROBLEM you get bruising on your shin
PROBLEM your toes hit the ends of your boots
PROBLEM you find it hard to control your skis
PROBLEM your ski tips wobble when you travel straight
PROBLEM you find edging difficult
PROBLEM you’re getting blisters
PROBLEM you have a bunion
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If you want your equipment to be ready on your arrival, please make sure the information given above is as accurate as possible so that we can reserve the best, most suitable equipment for your needs. Remember that you will be skiing on your gear all day. Your comfort, enjoyment and safety is directly related to the quality and suitability of your gear so take your time and make sure your gear selections are correct.
For reservations made less than 24 hours in advance our shops will do their utmost to ensure that equipment is ready, but this cannot be guaranteed in all cases.
If you want your equipment to be ready on your arrival, please make sure the information given above is as accurate as possible so that we can reserve the best, most suitable equipment for your needs. Remember that you will be skiing on your gear all day. Your comfort, enjoyment and safety is directly related to the quality and suitability of your gear so take your time and make sure your gear selections are correct.
For reservations made less than 24 hours in advance our shops will do their utmost to ensure that equipment is ready, but this cannot be guaranteed in all cases.
If you want your equipment to be ready on your arrival, please make sure the information given above is as accurate as possible so that we can reserve the best, most suitable equipment for your needs. Remember that you will be skiing on your gear all day. Your comfort, enjoyment and safety is directly related to the quality and suitability of your gear so take your time and make sure your gear selections are correct.
For reservations made less than 24 hours in advance our shops will do their utmost to ensure that equipment is ready, but this cannot be guaranteed in all cases.
If you want your equipment to be ready on your arrival, please make sure the information given above is as accurate as possible so that we can reserve the best, most suitable equipment for your needs. Remember that you will be skiing on your gear all day. Your comfort, enjoyment and safety is directly related to the quality and suitability of your gear so take your time and make sure your gear selections are correct.
For reservations made less than 24 hours in advance our shops will do their utmost to ensure that equipment is ready, but this cannot be guaranteed in all cases.
If you want your equipment to be ready on your arrival, please make sure the information given above is as accurate as possible so that we can reserve the best, most suitable equipment for your needs. Remember that you will be skiing on your gear all day. Your comfort, enjoyment and safety is directly related to the quality and suitability of your gear so take your time and make sure your gear selections are correct.
For reservations made less than 24 hours in advance our shops will do their utmost to ensure that equipment is ready, but this cannot be guaranteed in all cases.
If you want your equipment to be ready on your arrival, please make sure the information given above is as accurate as possible so that we can reserve the best, most suitable equipment for your needs. Remember that you will be skiing on your gear all day. Your comfort, enjoyment and safety is directly related to the quality and suitability of your gear so take your time and make sure your gear selections are correct.
For reservations made less than 24 hours in advance our shops will do their utmost to ensure that equipment is ready, but this cannot be guaranteed in all cases.
Our main shop is very conveniently located half way down the main street in the centre of Val d'Isere. Ideal for all town centre accomodation and hotels but also just 50m from the FREE bus service stops that come from all parts of Val d'Isere - La Daille to Le Fornet. So its also easy to access the main lifts and pistes at Rond Point, La Daille and Le Fornet.
Streetside is a true 'Mountain Centre' - our bootlab and 'Ski Genius' desk are located here. You can also book all types of ski instruction as well as other mountain activities such as dog sledging, paraponting and even ice diving here. Our ski 'TECH GENIUS' desk is here whee we will try and answer all your technical equipment questions. The 'Guide 2 Val d'Isere' Info desk is also located at Streetside to answer any queries about te town, accomodation, restaurant requirements etc.
Please note - we cannot operate our courtesy transport service (weekends) to this shop due to parking restrictions so if you think you want a lift to the shop please select our Slopeside shop.
Opening Hours -
Monday 8.30am - 7.00pm / Tuesday - Thursday 8.30am - 12.30am & 3.30pm - 7-00pm
Friday 8.30am - 7.00pm / Saturday - Sunday 8.30am - 8.00pm
Ideally located right next to the access lifts to the main slopes and nursery / beginner area at Rond Point des Pistes. Just walk accross the road and your on the snow front. Easily accessible from all parts of Val d'Isere via the very efficient free bus service.
This is the shop we operate our courtesy transort service to at weekends, we'll pick you up from your accomodation and run you back again once you've got your gear. You can also leave your skis here over night so you don't need to carry them around after skiing - and pick them up again in the morning ready to ski again.
Please note that we can't store boots overnight because there is just not enough room but you can come in wearing your shoes and carrying your boots and then leave your shoes in the shop fot the day.
Please note - you cannot pick-up 'LOWCOST' or 'Touring / Offpiste Safety' gear from Slopeside.
Opening Hours -
Monday 8.30am - 6.30pm / Tuesday - Thursday 8.30am - 12.00am & 3.30pm - 6-30pm
Friday 8.30am - 7.00pm / Saturday - Sunday 8.30am - 8.00pm
Our policy is simple and clear, if you need to cancel all or part of your hire for any reason whatsoever prior to collection of the equipment just drop us an email, we will cancel or amend your booking and immediately refund the full amount you have paid for the hire.
Be aware that most other shops and ski hire websites will only refund if you have paid for additional cancellation insurance, for a strictly limited number of reasons and/or will impose hefty cancellation charges which may be as much as the whole hire price for last minute cancellations.
This section is currently being updated
Your SNOWBERRY skis are properly and fully serviced before EVERY rental. This includes base repair, edge sharpening, structuring, waxing and detuning.
However, you are also welcome to bring your rental skis or board in any time during the rental period for us to freshen them up again so they’re good as new. This is especially valuable when conditions are very icy.
The condition of your skis / board is critical to how they will perform.
Recently other shops have started offering the option to pay extra to insure so you get your money back if there’s not enough snow to ski. You don’t need to do this!
We give you your money back as part of our normal refund policy for the unused period as soon as you return the equipment to us whether it’s that there’s not enough snow, too much snow, it’s too cold, the weather is too bad or just any other reason at all.
Just to reasure you our refund policy is and always has been that you only pay for our hire services if you do take the equipment, and only for the period for which you keep the equipment. This relates to cancellation or curtailment as a result of Covid 19 in exactly the same way as it does to anything else. If you have to cancel your hire with us because of a new outbreak (or for any reason whatsoever) you WILL get all of your money back, immediately and with no questions asked. No ifs, no buts, no maybes and no fobbing you off with a voucher or telling you to claim on your holiday insurance.
In March 2020 when we were forced to close at a moment’s notice, we immediately and automatically refunded all clients who had booked with us for the remainder of the season without them even having to contact us to request a refund. As far as we know we were the first and one of the very few hire shops anywhere in the World to have done so. Regardless of the legal arguments, we feel strongly that this was the only ethical thing to have done.
Most shops buy very little new equipment each year and you pay the same price whether you are one of the lucky ones who gets newer equipment or one of the unlucky ones who gets skis which are often – we kid you not – five or more seasons old and well past their sell-by date. We don’t think this is fair.
When you book with us we first of all ask you to chose the ability level from Level 1 (cautious beginner) up to a Level 5 expert. But then unlike other shops, you can also choose the age of skis you would like to have, with the final price you pay reflecting both factors. If you want this season’s brand new skis, you’re guaranteed to get them with our Premium Plus Optionstrong> while if you’re happy to compromise with older equipment our Eco Optionstrong> means you will never pay the same as someone who has the new skis. We can’t say fairer than that!
It is safe to say that every single skier, beginner to expert, needs some sort of sports orthotic in their ski boot.
It is safe to say that every single skier, beginner to expert, needs some sort of sports orthotic in their ski boot. It is safe to say that every single skier, beginner to expert, needs some sort of sports orthotic in their ski boot.
It is safe to say that every single skier, beginner to expert, needs some sort of sports orthotic in their ski boot. It is safe to say that every single skier, beginner to expert, needs some sort of sports orthotic in their ski boot.
The human foot is an extremely complex structure. It's dynamic in character and constantly changes its shape, volume, height and length as you weight and unweight it - ie as you flex in a ski boot.
So how on earth are you supposed to fit this foot – with no fixed shape or length - into the fixed confines of a hard plastic ski boot without it being at best uncomfortable and at worst excruciatingly painful?
The easy answer is by fitting a boot that is far to big.
Sounds simple but it works.
Skier orthotics support and stabilise your feet inside your boots, limiting the dynamic behavior – shape, length, height, volume change – and allowing us to choose a shell shape and length that closely resembles that of your foot ie a shell that is not 2 sizes to big!
Remember that every boot model has a slightly different shape so only certain models are suitable for certain feet.
Only by using an orthotic can we fit you in the correct shape and size of boot.
It is absolutely correct to say that you cannot fit select the correct boot shell and therefore fit a ski boot properly without first addressing foot instability issues.
The orthotic also has many other benefits relating to comfort and ultimately performance.
By supporting and stabilising the foot an orthotic will help to reduce foot movement in the boot which can cause rubbing and bruising. Blood flow is also improved resulting in warmer toes.
A supported foot has better contact with the boot and ski resulting in better feeling and control and it also improves body alignment - all of which lead to better performance.
If you have hired ski boots elsewhere in the past you may very well have experienced at least some of the following problems, all of which can be improved by using an orthotic -
PROBLEM your foot moves inside your boot
PROBLEM you tend to over tighten the front clips of your boots
PROBLEM you sometimes suffer from cramping under the foot
PROBLEM your forefoot goes numb especially when skiing hard
PROBLEM you suffer from cold feet
PROBLEM you get rubbing on your inside ankle bone
PROBLEM your foot continually aches and hurts
PROBLEM you get bruising on your shin
PROBLEM your toes hit the ends of your boots
PROBLEM you find it hard to control your skis
PROBLEM your ski tips wobble when you travel straight
PROBLEM you find edging difficult
PROBLEM you’re getting blisters
PROBLEM you have a bunion
The object of these terms and conditions is to define the general conditions of the rental of products offered by:
These terms and conditions apply to all reservations made through the site. They supersede any other conditions or documents. By reserving, the client accepts them fully and without reserve. Skishop reserves the right to modify them at any moment.The conditions applicable are those in vigour at the time of reservation.
The principal characteristics of the equipment and the options offered online are described on the site. Skishop reserves the right at any moment to retract one of more product references or any option featured on the site.The texts, photographs, graphics and information used in the description of products or options are non-contractual and may not be held in any way to bind Skishop. For further information concerning the products or options offered on the site, clients should contact Skishop:
By telephone on +33 (0)479 41 10 61 7 days a week 830 am to 1230 pm and 330 pm to 7pm from December to April only.
By e-mail at service@snowberry-valdisere.com
Or at the following postal address: SAS SKISHOP129 Route des Marais, ZAC de la Gare, 73790 TOURS EN SAVOIE – FRANCE
The equipment and options offered on the site remain available only so long as they remain accessible on line, at Skishop’s sole decision, but subject to the proviso that availability is limited to the amount of stock available.
The rental prices and prices for the options offered on the site are given in Euros, including taxes, and remain valid so long as they remain accessible on the site, at Skishop’s sole decision. Skishop reserves the right at any time to modify the rental prices or the prices for the options offered on the site. The price applicable to a reservation will remain the price in force at the time of the reservation. Promotions or price reductions offered on the site are valid only for reservations made through the site. The price for any equipment rented or option taken in-shop, including additional equipment or options or modifications to a booking made online, will be based on the public prices displayed in-shop. However, for any extension of the rental period requested in-shop prior to the expiry of the initial period the hire cost will be charged in accordance with the prices and discounts applied at the time of the online booking.
Reservation of products and options offered on the site is made online using the following process
The contract consists of the the terms and conditions of booking and online rental prevailing at the time of booking, the reciept by Skishop of the customer’s reservation, the email confirmation of payment and reservation sent to the client. The customer may obtain a copy of these documents on request:- To the following email address : contact@my-ski.fr ;- Or to the postal address :SAS SKISHOP129 Route des Marais, ZAC de la Gare, 73790 TOURS EN SAVOIE - FRANCE
Payment of the rental price is made in Euros. No other currency is acceptable regardless of the nationality of the client or the country from which the booking is made.
Payment is made in advance during the booking process. Payment is made via the secure online Banque Populaire payment system. SKISHOP has access to confidential client information regarding payment as part of this process. The following payment methods are accepted:Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express and other major credit cards)
The booking may be cancelled or amended by the client at any point up to the point of collection of the equipment, by contacting Skishop by e-mail at service@snowberry-valdisere.com or by post at the address given above. The client does not require to give any justification for the cancellation of their booking and no penalty is applied. The right to cancel the contract can not under any circumstances be exercised after the client has taken possession of the equipment. In the case of cancellation of the contract by the client prior to collection of the equipment, the reimbursement of any sum paid by the client in advance will be made within a maximum period of 30 (thirty) days from receipt of the client ‘s request to cancel the contract, by credit card used by the client to pay for the reservation.
The client may collect the equipment reserved at the date, time and place indicated in the confirmation e-mail.At the time of collection, the client must confirm that the equipment collected by them conforms to their reservation. In the event of the client not being satisfied that the equipment collected by them conforms to their reservation they must indicate any discrepancy or anomaly in their own handwriting accompanied by their signature. Failure by the client to indicate any such discrepancy will be held as acceptance that the equipment supplied to the client and collected by them conforms to their reservation.
The rental period is as indicated on the e-mail confirmation of the reservation. Any extension of this period may be arranged in-shop on collection of the equipment or during the rental period. Skishop reserve the right at their discretion to refuse a request for the extension of the rental period, in particular in the event of there being a problem with availability of the equipment. The prices and other conditions applying to this extended rental period will be those applicable at the time of the online reservation.
The client shall be the sole judge of their capacity to use the equipment rented and that of the persons identified as users of the equipment at the time of the reservation request. The client alone is responsible for their use of the equipment from the point when they take possession of it. The equipment rented is destined only for use by the client and those persons indicated as users of the equipment and the client has no right to sub-let the equipment or to lend it to third parties whether for a consideration or free of charge.
The equipment rented must be returned no later than 9 (nine) am on the day following the last day of the rental period. The client will be charged for a full day’s rental on the basis of the public prices available in-shop for any equipment not returned by the said time. In the event of failure to return the equipment for whatever reason the client will be invoiced, in addition to the rental price, on the basis of the following table
For clarity, it is specifically stated that the rental cost will not be deducted from the sums above.
In the absence of handwritten reserves made by the client at the time of collection of the equipment, the client recognises and accepts that the equipment is in good condition at the time of collection and must be returned in the same condition.
All equipment is coded and marked and the same equipment with the identical codes and marks must be returned
In the event of the equipment being damaged in any way due to negligence or deliberate misuse of the equipment by the client, the cost of returning the equipment to good condition will be invoiced to the client. Damage due to negligence or deliberate misuse of the equipment by the client which can not be repaired will be invoiced to the client on the same basis as equipment which has not been returned as outlined in the tables above. For clarity, it is specifically stated that the rental cost will not be deducted from the sums above. In all of these circumstances, where the equipment rental has been paid for by credit card the client authorises SKISHOP to charge all or any sums due as outlined in this article against the credit card used to pay for the reservation. It is specifically agreed that SKISHOP shall be the sole judge of what amount to negligence or deliberate misuse and on whether damage can or cannot be repaired.
At the time booking or at the time of collection of their equipment, the client may elect to select the optional insurance offered by SKISHOP which covers the risk of loss or theft of the skis or snowboards rented. Boots and helmets are not covered by this insurance.The cost of this option is:
This releases the client, subject to an excess being paid by them, from the obligation to pay the replacement cost of the equipment in the event of loss or theft of the equipment rented.The excess for which the client remains liable is as follows:
If the payment for the equipment rental has been made by credit card, the client authorises Skishop in advance to charge any excess due by this same method.
Should any of the equipment rented by the client be returned before the end of the rental period, for whatever reason, the period of rental remaining will be refunded in accordance with the prices and terms and conditions of rental applicable at the time of booking and payment.
Skishop will not be held responsible or liable in any way for any failure:
In no event will Skishop be liable in any way as a result of hypertext links from the site to other web sites. Skishop will not be liable in any event should it be impossible, as a result of the client ‘s fault, to acknowledge receipt of the rental request or to confirm the reservation by e-mail. This will apply in particular where the e-mail address supplied by the client does not exist, is wrong, is not valid or is saturated and unable to receive messages.
This contract is subject to French Law. The language of the contract is French. If the contract is translated into a foreign language the French version will rule.
Any litigation must be submitted to the jurisdiction of the courts in Albertville (France) who will be the only courts of competent jurisdiction.
At the time booking or at the time of collection of their equipment, the client may elect to select the optional insurance which covers the risk of loss or theft of the skis or snowboards rented. Boots and helmets are not covered by this insurance.The cost of this option is:
This releases the client, subject to an excess being paid by them, from the obligation to pay the replacement cost of the equipment in the event of loss or theft of the equipment rented.
If the payment for the equipment rental has been made by credit card, the client authorises Skishop in advance to charge any excess due by this same method.
You may well think all ski shops have skis and all ski shops have boots and they’re all the same so all that matters is who has the cheapest price - but you couldn’t be further from the truth!
Most of the rest of this website is taken up with telling you all about what it is that makes our skis and our boots different from everyone else’s, and they certainly are way, way different from everyone else’s – but there’s more to us than just our equipment.
Just as important is our personality – what makes us tick! We’re not businessmen stuck in an office somewhere, moving numbers around to make money out of other people’s products. We’re people just like you. Some of us are instructors and some of us ski or board just for fun but we do this because we love the sport and we love the lifestyle. We’ve been in the ski hire game for 30 years now and almost a dozen of our team have been working with us since the mid 1990’s, so we’re all great friends rather than just work colleagues. All of this makes a massive difference, the atmosphere in the shops is young, fun and all about skiing or snowboarding – a real community of us,, our friends, and our clients many of whom have also become friends over the years.
We’re also not complacent. Although people are constantly telling us how good we are (thanks!), we don’t rest on our laurels. We are always looking for ways to adjust and fine tune what we do and how we do it so it’s even better every year. And what’s more we don’t compare ourselves against our competitors, we are constantly looking at how good WE want to be, whether we are there yet and how we can get there. Needless to say, we’re constantly moving the goalposts so the search for absolute perfection continues – but we’re getting closer and closer every year!
Booking with Snowberry combines the best of all worlds – the convenience of a modern and efficient online booking system with the personal touch and attention to detail of a face to face service.
Prior to making your booking, you’ll find pretty much everything we can think of that you might need to know on this site, but if there’s anything we’ve forgotten or you need more information about, just email us through the contact form and we’ll get right back to you. Whether you want to know more about the literally hundreds of different models of skis we have in stock, have an enquiry about our transport service, wonder which of our shops is more convenient for where you’ll be staying or want to check availability for our exclusive in-chalet fitting service, just drop us a line. We will usually get back to you within a few hours at most.
Once you’ve got all of the information you need, our online booking system has been designed exclusively by us. It’s not like most of the other booking sites you will find which are literally only interested in getting you to tick a couple of boxes and enter your card details! We don’t just ask you what ability level of skis you want, we ask you what kind of skiing you would like to do and give you the option to choose the age of your skis and of course what price you pay for them. We also record all of the other info we need to provide you with the best and most suitable equipment and not just “a pair of silver skis”, to properly and safely adjust your bindings in accordance with ISO standards and to prepare your booking and all of the paperwork before you come in to collect it.
Lastly, once we receive your booking it doesn’t just go into a computer system as it does with other shops. It goes straight into Susan’s email in box where she checks every detail to make sure it’s all correct and everything makes sense. Don’t be surprised if you get an email from us checking you’ve booked for the right date or renal period, suggesting you might find or other shop more convenient than the one you have booked for or saying that we think you might have over-estimated your ability as a 3 week skier and would probably be better with intermediate skis rather than the expert ones you have booked!
The personal service continues right up to your arrival day, through your holiday and beyond. Any problems, queries, or whatever, you just have to ask and we’ll get back to you right away. We are not bound by systems, small print and red tape. Our mantra is and always has been good, old-fashioned customer service so we’ll do whatever we can – within reason – to make sure your Snowberry ski hire is the best you’ve ever had.
GUARANTEED new equipment is very unusual in ski equipment rental, if not unheard of.
Most shops buy only a sprinkling of new equipment each year to window-dress their racks while the client still pays the same whether they’re one of the lucky ones who does get current season skis or – more likely – one of the unlucky ones who gets skis that can often be 5 or more seasons old.
Premium Range you’re guaranteed to ski on the very best of the new 2026 skis, from beginner right up to expert.
This is totally unique to Snowberry - no other shop or website gives you this guarantee.
GUARANTEED new equipment is very unusual in ski equipment rental, if not unheard of.
Newer skis obviously look a lot nicer to start with, less skiers mean less scratches and dints, and it’s great to be able to ski on the latest models and technologies.
However, the cosmetic appearance is only one aspect and doesn’t really make any difference to the performance of the skis. However, like everything else in life, skis don’t perform as well as they get older.
A ski straight out of the packet is full of life and rebound. As it gets a bit older the core materials start to break down. With constant bending and flexing the fibres in a wood core stretch and lose cohesion, while the micro-structure of a foam core loses its structure. This results in the ski losing its character, its pop and reactiveness, stability, strength and grip.
An older ski will feel dull, unresponsive and ultimately not much fun to ski on and the cheaper the materials are the quicker this will happen.
Older skis are never as good in icy, hard conditions as newer skis. With heavy use especially in hard conditions the ski’s metal edges naturally become more and more rounded greatly affecting edge grip. Also every time a ski is serviced the edges will get thinner which also affects grip, performance and smoothness. The older a ski is the harder it is to get the ski’s edge smooth and sharp.
With age and continuous servicing the base of a ski gets thinner and thinner and doesn’t hold wax quite as well so it doesn’t run as smoothly.
It’s not even just about the skis. Newer bindings are much safer - the springs are more accurate, and the binding won’t rip out, leading to a ruined day or a serious injury.
Watch out for what shops or websites say, or don’t say, about the age of their equipment. If they don’t say anything about how old their kit is then they are certainly not guaranteeing it will be new. And remember, words like “latest”, “recent” or “up to date” don’t mean new. If a shop is guaranteeing you new equipment, they will say so!
Guaranteed 'NEW' skis - Exclusive to www.snowberry-valdisere.com
Unforunately ski rental nowadays is saturated with cheap, poor quality equipment produced exclusively for the rental market and in most shops and on most websites you will now struggle to find ANYTHING else. Skis may look almost exactly like the real thing (the proper retail model) but they are completely different! They are madedifferently, they ski differently and they are always cheaper. Although many are marketed at good skiers they are really only suitable for low end skiers. This is just a cheap con!
It is now nearly impossible to rent proper retail specific equipment at all in most places.
On the left is the Faction Dancer 2X, one of the most popular all mountain skis in our Special / Expert range. On the right is actually an almost identical-looking ski called the Dancer 2X PM, designed as a cheap alternative for rental.
While it looks pretty similar to the proper high-end expert level ski we stock and has the same profile, its construction and therefore its performance is totally different.
Most importantly, the PM does away with the 2 layers of Titanal which are one of the major defining factors of the real ski, giving it the strength, power and grip which our clients love. It’s also a LOT cheaper! - but its NOT the same ski!
This is just one example of the sort of thing most commercial rental shops stock to cheapen their rental buying costs and to con you into thinking what you get from them is the same as what you will get from Snowberry.
All proper retail specific skis are designed with a specific purpose and ability level target in mind. Be it for a beginner skier, an advanced, technically competent skier, a skier wishing to ski all day on firm hard piste making wide sweeping turns or the skier wishing to float effortlessly through deep powder snow. Each target skier or terrain requires very different performance attributes from the ski. This is achieved from the geometrical design of the ski, the compexity and construction method and the quality of the materials used. This is what makes a retail specific ski more expensive.
Cheap rental specific skis are limited in their target performance bias because they are simply constructed using cheap, inferior materials and techniques.
A cheap rental specific ski by its very nature will NEVER perform at anything other than the most basic level and even that is sometimes questionnable. They are NOT the same!
If a skier is wishing to to anything other than slide sideways around on the snow with zero style and no progression then they need to be aware of the skis they are renting. It is madness to think that any level of skiing can be achieved skiing on some of the cheap rental skis that are now being pushed on the skiing public.
One of the most obvious things that differentiate proper high end retail skis from cheap, inferior rental specific skis is the construction method.
Most high end, quality skis will have a complex construction consisting of either sandwich / sidewall construction typical of skis designed for firmer snow and on-piste performance and a lighter cap / sidewall construction for all mountain and off-piste skis. The common factor is that the sidewall is strong and robust and the materials used are specific to the skis intended use and are of a high quality. This means that skis can be tailored to specific snow conditions and intended use, for example a race slalom ski.
Cheap rental skis on the other hand are simple in construction often either a full cap or a short sidewall cap construction. They are usually thinner especially through the middle of the ski and the materials used are soft and spongy with no defined performance intention.
This means that it is impossible to produce cheap rental skis with any specific performance character other than just sliding on the snow - you will never be able to ski these cheap skis to any level of ability meaning skiers are limited with their skiing and can never improve.
The core of the ski is the central part of a ski around which the rest of the ski is built.
There are two main materials used to construct a ski core - wood and foam - and both materials can be used in both cheaper skis and in higher end skis, the difference lies in the quality and complexity of the woods and foams used..
cheap wood core skis will use a single block of cheap fast growing wood that has an open fibre nature, is soft and results in a lifeless ski with no dynamic character.
With a high end ski a number of different slow grown, denser woods will be used, usually vertically laminated together. The types of woods selected will depend on the intended use of the ski - for example hard dense wood will be used to enhance edge grip on ice ie for a piste ski, while a lighter but strong wood may be used to reduce ski weight as in an off-piste ski. Complex combinations of different woods are used to get the best of all worlds by laminating different woods together.
a similar situation exists with foam cored skis. Very cheap skis are made by injecting foam into a hollow cap / mould. These are very quick and simple to produce but because the foam is an open cell character the resulting ski has absolutelly no character, is lifeless and dead. Skis made this way are cheap and nasty, and cannot be skied properly at all, they are no use for any level of skier and are really a waste of time and money..
This is the type of cheap rental specific ski that makes up the majority of low end commercial ranges seen on many a website.
Such skis are easily identified by their thin / cap construction appearance!
Another common area to consider with cheap rental skis which most skiers will be able to feel is with the ski’s edges.
The edges of cheap skis are made using soft cheap steel. This blunts very quickly especially on icy snow, the edge rounds off resulting in very poor edge grip.
These blunt, rounded steel edges are also harder to sharpen as far more metal needs to be removed to enable any sharp angle to be produced.
The base of the ski is the part of the ski that slides on the snow. The quality of the base, the molecular weight of the plastic p’tex material that is used to construct the base and the condition of the base which is determined by the quality of the base material all affect how smooth and fast a ski will glide on the snow.
There are 2 types of polyethelene or p’tex base material, the cheaper extruded base material and the more expensive but far superior sintered base material.
Extruded p’tex is made by heating up a batch of p’tex and then forcing the liquid mass through a hole, the resulting mass is then rolled out and flattened. This results in a low molecular weight - open cell, soft p’tex that is easy to wax but loses its wax quickly therefore dries out and furs up meaning the skis are slow and sticky. Bases are also soft and are prone to easy damage.
The more expensive sintered p’tex is manufactured by compressing liquid polyethelene under pressure and then trimming the resulting mass into strips. This manufacturing process produces a high molecular weight p’tex that because of its closed molecular structure is very hard. Skis glide more smoothly, are far faster as there is less snow friction, and are less prone to damage. Because of the closed structure they are harder to wax but once waxed they retain the wax for longer therefore don’t fur up, affecting performance.
It goes without saying that cheap rental specific skis are made using the former - cheap extruded bases.
Skis constructed with a high molecular weight sintered base are far superior in performance in all conditions but especially on hard snow and in soft, wet snow.
A ski’s character and performance bias is further fine tuned by the quality and type of laminate layers that are used to enhance the core such as titinal metal layers and / or fibreglass. The type, thickness and complexity of these laminate layers can vary enormously depending on the target performance bias.
With low-end cheaper skis where there is no real target performance level it is common to have no laminates present and even with supposed higher end skis where laminates are used they will be limited to keep production costs down as is the case with many recognisable models that aim to imitate the proper retail skis. In such cases more expensive metal laminates will be absent and fibreglass weaves will be thinner and simpler.
The resulting ski bears no similarity in terms of performance, skiability, edge grip, stability etc to the retail ski it is pretending to be.
NEW MODEL - Season 2026 Model
Snowberry are the only rental shop we know of that rents only retail specific equipment (skis and boots) It makes an enormous difference to the performance, safety and fit of our equipment!
Guaranteed 'RETAIL SPECIFIC' skis and boots - Exclusive to Snowberry
At Snowberry we go above and beyond when it comes to choice of ski models.
With different levels of equipment and multiple different model choice within these levels - we have an unmatched choice of ski models to select from - piste racecarve one day, off-piste the next - no-problems. And it’s free to change!
We can proudly say we carry one of the widest ranges of different styles and models of high end skis for rental anywhere in the World. We have over 1600 pairs of adult skis in our racks, spread over more than 100 different models for all ability levels from beginner to expert, with niche brands like Faction, Kastle and Black Crows as well as the well known big names. All skis are the full retail versions - we are the only shop to offer this - and most of our models you just won’t find available for rental anywhere else.
This is NOT normal with equipment rental but is so important. Everyone is different - skiing is very personal - and conditions are constantly changing. Having such a huge range is essential in providing the high standards of technical service we aim to provide and ensuring that every individual gets the most suitable ski for them.
This is an area that so many shops and websites ignore. Most have literally just a couple of different model options in each of their ranges and no specialist or high end models such as wide off-piste skis or racecarve piste skis. This keeps things cheaper for the shop and it’s easier for inexperienced staff members to hand out if they don’t have to understand a wide range of options BUT it means that renters are only ever offered basic skis with little or no option to change.
When you first come to collect your skis you won’t just be given a ski and told “there you are”, there will be options for you to choose from and our technicans (many are ski instructors) will explain them in detail and help you choose.
When we say you can change your skis any time you want, no matter why you want to change or what type of ski you’re after, we’ll have a selection of different options for you to choose from. Be aware that this is charged extra in some shops!.
We don’t just carry the mainstream popular sizes, we have the very short and very long ones too so you won’t be fobbed off with the wrong length.
Snowberry has by far the largest choice of different models available to rent anywhere
Traditionally when renting ski boots little effort is made to get the boots right. Shops only carry a few different models and they are usually wide fitting so that as many people as possible can get their feet into them. You get asked your shoe size and a pair of boots is thrown at you as if they were bowling shoes. Boots are usually at least a size if not two sizes too big and the wrong shape.
Often they will feel comfortable at the time of fitting (of course, your feet are not even touching the sides!) but once you start skiing your foot moves around, and your heel lifts offering no control over the ski, and you MAKE NO PROGRESS!
And on top of this a boot that’s too wide or too big can cause huge problems with discomfort, pain and cold feet.
Most intermediate skiers don’t know any better and will just put up with the pain and lack of performance.
Sound familiar?
At SNOWBERRY we have changed this atitude.
With nearly 40 years’ experience at the cutting edge of both sales and rental bootfitting we have developed our own unique and highly professional bootfitting system, refining the sales bootfitting process to work in rental. No other shop in the world does this.
We start not just by measuring your foot size (some shops don’t even do that) but with a 3D 8-point analysis of your whole foot and lower leg.
We then select the model from our range of over 40 different models of adult boots and more than 20 for children to follow most closely the overall 3D shape of your foot to give the closest and most comfortable fit.
Finally we personally fit and adjust the boot and if necessary customise the fit to take into account any problem areas.
As a result of all of this, the amount of success we have with our bootfitting is phenomenal – only a tiny percentage of our clients need to come back in to change their boots after their initial fitting (and we DO have plenty of other options for anyone who does) and we regularly get people asking to buy their rental boots from us at the end of their trip.
And lastly all of our rental boots are fitted with SIDAS skier orthotics to support and stabilise your foot giving more comfort and better performance.
Snowberry has developed a unique process for fitting ski boots in rental. This process is based on exactly the same principles you would experience in one of the world’s leading retail fitting centres and is based on a 3-Step Process.
The first stage of your boot fit is a thorough examination of both feet to allow us to select the correct shell shape and boot model.
This involves is a unique 8-point analysis –
This information is marked on our analysis form.
The information gained from your foot analysis enables us to select the most suitable boot from over 40 different models for adults and another 20 models for kids and juniors. The aim is to select the boot that best resembles the shape of your foot which will hold your foot firmly but comfortably - the key fit areas.
The key to good bootfitting is shell (model) selection. As every boot model varies in length, width, instep height, volume distribution, ankle and toe box areas, this is extremely difficult.
Wrong shell selection is the single biggest problem skiers have with rental boots.
Very few skiers actually know how to put a ski boot on and clip it up correctly.
For this reason, we personally fit every boot - opening the shell up, sliding your foot in and correctly clipping it up, explaining the importance of this process - especially regarding comfort, boot performance, cold feet and safety issues regarding binding release.
Do not underestimate the importance of this. It sets the foot correctly in the boot, and believe it or not, improves your skiing performance and keeps your feet more comfortable and warmer.
Proper boot-fitting starts by stabilizing the foot and limiting the dynamic mobility of the foot which is the main limiting factor when trying to fit boots correctly. To do this we put orthotics in every boot.
The orthotic is THE ESSENTIAL, without one you will end up with a boot that is far too big, the result - your foot will move around leading to lack of control, pain and discomfort.
It is impossible to fit a ski boot correctly without firstly stabilising the foot using a skier specific orthotic - it simply cannot be done!
Snowberry are the ONLY shop that we know of that actively uses a system of orthotics in ALL our rental boots (even for juniors).
Draw what conclusions you wish from this!
It is safe to say that every single skier, beginner to expert, needs some sort of sports orthotic in their ski boot.
Proper boot-fitting starts by stabilizing the foot and limiting the dynamic mobility of the foot which is the main limiting factor when trying to select the correct shell shape and fit a boot correctly.
To do this we use a skier orthotic.
The orthotic is THE ESSENTIAL part of bootfitting, without one you cannot select the correct shell size and shape and will end up having to use a boot that is far too big, the result - your foot will move around leading to lack of control, pain and discomfort.
It is impossible to fit a ski boot correctly without firstly stabilising the foot using a skier specific orthotic - it simply cannot be done!
Snowberry are the ONLY shop that we know of that actively uses a system of orthotics in ALL our rental boots (even for juniors).
Draw what conclusions you wish from this!
The human foot is an extremely complex structure. It's dynamic in character and constantly changes its shape, volume, height and length as you weight and unweight it - ie as you flex in a ski boot.
So how on earth are you supposed to fit this foot – with no fixed shape or length - into the fixed confines of a hard plastic ski boot without it being at best uncomfortable and at worst excruciatingly painful?
The easy answer is by fitting a boot that is far to big.
Remember that every boot model has a slightly different shape so only certain models are suitable for certain feet.
Only by using an orthotic can we fit you in the correct shape and size of boot.
It is absolutely correct to say that you cannot fit select the correct boot shell and therefore fit a ski boot properly without first addressing foot instability issues.
The orthotic also has many other benefits relating to comfort and ultimately performance.
The orthotic also has many other benefits relating to comfort and ultimately performance.
By supporting and stabilising the foot an orthotic will help to reduce foot movement in the boot which can cause rubbing and bruising. Blood flow is also improved resulting in warmer toes.
A supported foot has better contact with the boot and ski resulting in better feeling and control and it also improves body alignment - all of which lead to better performance.
If you have hired ski boots elsewhere in the past you may very well have experienced at least some of the following problems, all of which can be improved by using an orthotic -
PROBLEM your foot moves inside your boot
PROBLEM you tend to over tighten the front clips of your boots
PROBLEM you sometimes suffer from cramping under the foot
PROBLEM your forefoot goes numb especially when skiing hard
PROBLEM you suffer from cold feet
PROBLEM you get rubbing on your inside ankle bone
PROBLEM your foot continually aches and hurts
PROBLEM you get bruising on your shin
PROBLEM your toes hit the ends of your boots
PROBLEM you find it hard to control your skis
PROBLEM your ski tips wobble when you travel straight
PROBLEM you find edging difficult
PROBLEM you’re getting blisters
PROBLEM you have a bunion
At Snowberry when our new delivery of boots arrives at the beginnig of every season we take out the flat insoles which come with the boots, throw them away and replace them with proper skier orthotics
Of course it’s very expensive for us to do this (and that’s why no other hire shop anywhere that we know of does), but in our view it is essential to the correct fitting of our clients’ boots and to their comfort, performance and enjoyment on the mountain.
WE ARE THE ONLY SHOP IN EUROPE TO PUT SKIER ORTHOTICS IN EVERY BOOT
In most ski shops, the focus is on retail and that’s where all the experienced technical staff work. Rental is the poor relation, down in the back of the basement and staffed by Saturday boys or one season wonders whose main job is just to get people in and out as quickly as possible.
Not so at Snowberry! Rental is all we do, it’s our be-all-and-end-all and it’s what we focus ALL of our 30 staff members on.
Between us we have over 300 seasons of experience in the ski industry and a dozen of us are qualified ski instructors. Nine of us have been at Snowberry since we started in 2007 (incredibly this is Snowberry’s 20th season!) and half a dozen of us have actually been working together in ski hire in Val d’Isere since last century while some of this season’s team’s parents also worked with us back then!
The new recruits who are joining us this year have been hand picked from nearly 200 applicants, all have sporting and customer service backgrounds and undergo an intensive training programme run by our own Jock Dun who is widely regarded throughout the industry as one of the most knowledgeable and most innovative people in the worldwide ski rental business.
And as for the language, well there’s nothing worse than trying to understand the intricacies of ski technology or explain where your boots are uncomfortable to someone who doesn’t speak the same language as you. Post-Brexit it’s harder than it used to be to find English speakers working in European resorts but it’s not a problem at Snowberry. Our staff members this season come from 9 different countries around the world from Australia and South Africa in the South to Canada in the North, via the Uk and a whole handful of countries in Europe, but one thing we all have in common is that English is our first language.
No matter where you’re staying in Val d’Isère, from Le Fornet to La Daille and everywhere in between, Snowberry is your closest and easiest ski hire shop.
Our courtesy transport service runs all weekend. Just call our dedicated transport line and we will send one of our go-anywhere landrovers to collect you, bring you to the shop to be fitted with your equipment and then take you back afterwards.
Just call this number on arrival into resort -
Ski Hire Isn't All The Same
Other shops may charge you for the luxury of changing your skis, or say you can change as often as you like but end up having nothing suitable when you do want something else. At Snowberry not only do we offer unlimited free changes within the same price point, we also have over 1600 pairs of skis in stock, covering over 100 different models.
So whether you’re planning a day off-piste, the conditions have changed overnight, you want to have a go on a snowboard for a day or you just don’t like the first skis you have, we will always have plenty of options for you and without a change fee, of course.
Ski Hire Isn't All The Same
Our overnight storage facility at our Slopeside shop just across from the nursery slopes and main lifts gives you’re the luxury of dropping your equipment off with us every evening and collecting it again in the morning. No more lugging it all back to the chalet every night with tired and hungry kids in tow, or head straight to après ski without your skis or boots to bother about.
Ski Hire Isn't All The Same
Proper ski and boot hire is not simple, straight forward or guaranteed, it requires a high degree of technical knowledge, experience and input to get it correct.
Listening to your needs and advising you on the best most suitable gear and then fitting it correctly is key to you having an enjoyable and positive skiing experience. And believe me this is NOT easy or straight forward. This needs a high level of technical knowledge and experience.
Our staff team are our secret ingredient.
No ‘untrained Saturday boys’, we are true technical experts, we have some of the most experienced staff in the ski industry.
We worked out we have almost 200 seasons of combined experience in the business between us.
Most of us are qualified ski instructors, and some have been with us for over 25 years, so we know what we are doing.
And we all speak English as a first language.
Return your equipment earlier than planned and other shops will only refund you if you are ill or injured, only with a medical cetificate and only for the person actually injured – not much good if a parent also has to stop skiing to look after an ill child.
Our policy for early return of our hired equipment is totally transparent and honest. You only pay for the equipment for the length of time you have it, so if you return all or part of your equipment earlier than intended we will give you an immediate refund for the remaining hire period, regardless of the reason for the early return.
Please note equipment must be returned in order to receive a refund and that you must return the equipment by close of business the day before to receive a refund for the following day.
Ski Hire Isn't All The Same
Our range of models selected specifically for learning and developing early skiing skills. The key to skis in this category is ease of use and forgiveness – they give you time to correct a mistake before they react.
We have unisex skis and lighter skis specifically designed for girls.
Tip and tail widths allow the ski to be easily slid and skidded around, ideal for learning the basic essential skills of pivoting and snowplough. The sidecut profile is purposely straighter, therefore less aggressive than a higher-level ski, and skis are wider underfoot providing a stable platform for a beginner to stand on. This also means a relatively shallow depth of sidecut which is less catchy and will not throw the skier off balance with every mistake.
A long-ish tip and rounded and turned up tail give a relatively short effective edge and allow the skis to be easily manouvered without the tip and tail catching – very important when learning.
These are soft flexing skis so they’re easy to push into an arc helping the skier to feel the edge, to pressure the ski and to turn at low speeds.
A soft camber means reduced grip and adds to the forgiveness, preventing the tip and tail being catchy and making it easy to push the ski into reverse- camber with minimum resistance. This again results in the ski being easy to bend and turn.
A small amount of rocker at both tip and the tail again makes it easier to skid and slide the ski around without the tip and tail catching.
Ski models are carefully selected for first time skier who wish to learn the early principles of skiing and progress quickly.
Our next level of skis is aimed at developing skiers who that have got to grips with the basics - balance, snowplough etc. Skiers at this level are progressing from basic parallel, starting to ski in more control and learning how to use the edge and sidecut of the ski and carve their turns.
Models have been carefully selected with a slightly more performance bias while still being easy to use.
Selected models have a more defined sidecut profile than our pure beginner skis, wider at the tip and tail and narrower at the waist ( deeper depth of sidecut ) which means that when the ski is tipped over onto its edge and pressure applied through the centre of the ski the ski will bend, naturally form a curve and initiate a carved turn.
A slightly narrower waist of 75mm is still not too aggressive and gives a nice stable platform to stand on. The slightly deeper depth of sidecut means skis are slightly quicker edge to edge and slightly more reactive making it easier to develop a turn and carve the ski which is the goal at this level.
At this level of piste skis, tip and tail technology becomes more relevant. Ski tips are short and snub nosed and tails are shorter and squarer. This allows the ski’s edge length to become more efficient i.e. longer effective edge for the overall running length of the ski meaning the skier van use more manageable and shorter skis on-piste without compromising edge grip.
One thing that is important is the soft but square tail, which helps to hold the ski in the turn but is catch free and easy to release and skid / slide at the end of the turn. This helps the skier to develop carving skills without the problem of being locked in the turn.
Skis still have a relatively soft longitudinal flex meaning that they will still bend into an arc and turn easily, but they are stiffer than at beginner level so they better support the developing skier throughout the turn at slightly higher speeds. Torsion is also slightly stiffer and camber slightly more powerful than at total beginner level, again giving more stability and drive throughout the turn.
Slightly rockered tip allows easy catch free turn entry making it easier to tip the ski over and engage the beginning of the turn.
This is the go-to category for skiers who have mastered the beginner stage and are looking to keep improving.
Our intermediate to advanced level skis cover a wide range of abilities and aspirations, from comfortable intermediate skiers to those who are pushing themselves to the next level. Skis in this range have a bigger engine, they will perform when pushed but at the same time allow you to take it easy and let you away with mistakes. Performance with forgiveness – that is the target!
We have over 20 different models to select from, each offering something slightly different but all for use on prepared piste with models suitable for intermediate to more proficient advanced skiers.
With a characteristic sidecut of around 124 / 74 / 109, skis are designed for smooth flowing turns on piste, transitioning between shorter, slalom turns and longer giant slalom-like ones, and everything in-between. Versatility is the name. of the game.
The wider tip allows easy turn initiation when the ski is tipped over and driven, while the 74mm waist provides a good stable platform but is narrow enough to facilitate the ski bending and carving while providing excellent grip.
Ski tails at this level are generally wider and stronger helping with the ski grip through to the end of the turn.
Tips are typically snub nosed, and tails are flattish and relatively square – the ideal shape for piste specific skis.
A snub-nosed tip engages quickly when tipped over for fast and accurate turn initiation while a more aggressive and flattish, square tail ensures that the ski will hold on to the turn through to the end if required. At the same time the tip is slightly tapered and not too stiff so it will still release from the turn easily if your carving technique is not quite there yet or to get out of a tricky situation.
Effective edge length is typical longish compared to standing height for good piste-specific skis allowing the skier to optimise ski length relative to edge grip.
Models in this category are generally slightly stiffer both longitudinally and torsionally, and cambers are stronger. This means skis are more performance orientated, will be more responsive and reactive, will grip better on firmer snow and will be more stable at higher speeds.
Although skis at this level are aimed at more developed skiers a piste tip rocker is still common and will give the ski the forgiving characteristics required – easy to transition between turns with no unwanted surprise.
These are the go-to ski for on-piste intermediate to early advanced level skiers with a reasonably developed technique that are reasonably confident carving turns on most types of pisted slopes, whether they are happy at this level or see it as a stepping stone to the next stage.
We have an excellent choice of unisex models and slightly lighter and softer female specific models.
Our range of piste-specific skis for high-end skiers is designed specifically for more advanced use on prepared piste and firm, hard snow.
We have over 15 different models to select from offering a range of turn.
Typical characteristics of more advanced piste skis include a more defined sidecut - a narrower waist and wider tip and tail. This gives the ski a deeper depth of sidecut which means when tipped over on their edges, skis will allow the skier to make clean, strong, carved turns. The narrower width underfoot also contributes to exceptional grip in icy conditions.
A wide, snub-nosed tip gives maximum liveliness and allows for fast, strong turn initiation and initial grip when entering the turn. The tail is also wide, strong and flat which allows the ski to grip and hold onto the turn right through to the end. Effective edge is long compared to the running length of the ski giving strong grip without compromising manoeuvrability.
In general these skis will have a stiffer flex and powerful camber which results in excellent grip in icy conditions and greater stablility when skiing at high speeds. They do need to be skied at higher speeds though.
Most models will have a small amount of tip rocker- say 5% - which helps with turn initiation but tails will be flat for grip to the end of the turn.
We often see more complex construction techniques and materials used in more advanced performance models such as the use of titanal laminates and more complex fibreglass lay ups. Traditional sidewall construction is also predominant at this level (watch out for cheap look-alikes which have caps and foam cores)
Models in this category are generally more aggressive, stiffer and harder to ski on. Skiers therefore need to be more advanced with a reasonably developed style and confident in carving a ski no matter the difficulty of the slope, the snow conditions, or their speed. If you are at this level, these skis are a huge amount of fun.
The all mountain skis in this category are designed as the name implies for use both on and off-piste in softer, slightly deeper and more variable conditions than the pure piste options which excel on harder snow. They are equally at home in spring snow in the back-country, a few inches of new snow off the edge or choppier, bumpier or slightly deeper snow on-piste.
All mountain skis differ from true piste skis by being slightly wider through their length – in the tip, waist and tail. Because the ski is wider, especially at the waist, it will float more allowing it to perform better in more variable snow conditions such as new snow falls, chopped up snow, crud and slush while still having enough definition in the sidecut for respectable edge to edge performance and grip for carving on harder snow.
The tip of all mountain ski is generally slightly longer than a true piste ski which helps the front of the ski to ride up above the snow in more variable conditions – this is a key feature of any all-mountain ski.
A wider waist makes it easier to navigate in choppier snow while the tail is often slightly more rounded and turned up, again making skiing easier in less favourable conditions.
Skis however still have a pronounced sidecut which allows them to ski well on firmer snow.
In general flex and camber are slightly softer than an out-and-out piste ski, but still strong enough to provide adequate grip and stability when required on firmer snow.
Skis typically have a tip and tail rocker, making them easy and light to turn on piste.In slightly deeper snow the rocker tip will ride above the snow surface and push through shallow snow that has been chopped up.
Narrower all mountain skis are generally very forgiving and versatile, great for all day use in variable snow conditions and much easier to ski for someone who is still pushing themselves but maybe not quite there yet than an out-and-out piste ski at a similar level..
A totally unique range of skis you’ll not find anywhere else, our Expert-level Piste category features 15 different niche models of the very best of the best skis on the market. Skis are designed for use on prepared pistes and are at home on firm snow and in icy conditions offering excellent grip and stability at speed. The range includes full on race skis as well race carve models and features a variety of profiles and construction features for short, medium or longer turn preferences.
High performance piste skis are designed to be skied hard and fast, tipped over on their edges and carved – this is where they truly excel.
Models are characterised particularly by their sidecut profile – wide tip and tails and narrow waists. When skis are banked over onto the edge, the tip engages pulling the ski into the initial phase of the turn. As the ski is pressured through the centre and the tail engages the ski will bend ( it’s forced into reverse camber ) and forms a curve. The wide tail finishes the turn by gripping at the middle and end. This is the essence of a carved turn.
Another feature that is important with higher end piste skis is the very defined shapes of their tips and tails. Tips are short and snub nosed for very quick turn initiation and the tail is very flat and square to hold onto the turn for grim death right to the very end. Effective edge is generally long but varies depending on the intended turn preference of the ski.
The stronger the flex and camber of the ski are the more powerful and stable the turn will be – the better the ski will grip on ice and the more stable the ski will be at speed. These skis are all very stiff both longitudinally and torsionally and have exceptionally strong camber, increasing effective edge contact when the ski is pushed and further adding to stability and edge grip on icy and steep slopes.
Race and racecarve skis at this level tend to be full camber with no rocker.
These skis tend to feature complicated construction technologies – multiple strengthening layers made of metal alloys combined with complex fibreglass or similar materials to increase rebound and liveliness and high quality wood layers in the core to give strength and smoothness combined with dynamism and response. Traditional sandwich/sidewall construction is universally used in these skis giving great torsional rigidity, immediate response and powerful edge grip.
For a strong, expert skier there is nothing like the feeling of effortlessly carving a proper high-end piste ski on a perfectly groomed slope. Not for the faint-hearted though – you do need to be able to make clean carved turns at high speeds to get the most from these skis. They are also not designed for use in deeper snow, heavy slush, or chopped up cruddy conditions.
Our Expert All Mountain Frontside category of skis features 10 different niche models of the very best of the best narrow all mountain skis on the market. Versatility is the key word when describing skis in this category. Our selected models are equally at home on flat, groomed snow on traditional prepared pistes, in slightly deeper snow, in slush, bumps and chopped up snow after a recent snow fall or in slightly deeper conditions off the side. Great fun all day, all over the resort.
All Mountain Frontside skis differ from pure piste-specific models in several ways, the most obvious being sidecut profile. Typically, a pure piste ski will have a profile like 121 / 70 / 101 whereas an all mountain frontside ski will be more like 120 / 86 / 110– a centimetre or more wider from the waist backwards. This wider profile is why all mountain skis perform better in deeper more variable snow conditions – they float better in deeper snow, riding above the surface making skiing easier, while the tip at a similar width to a piste ski still engages quickly in the turn on harder snow.
Tip and tail profile is one of the most obvious features of all mountain skis which differentiates them visually and in every other way from pure piste skis. The wider you get, the more obvious the difference becomes. All mountain skis tend to have elongated noses to help with flotation and to enable the ski to ride above unexpected terrain variations. The tail is usually rounded and turned up meaning it’s less grippy than a piste ski and easier to slip and slide around.
All mountain skis are softer both longitudinally and torsionally than piste models at the same sort of level, making the ski more able to cope with a variety of conditions, helping with flotation and making it less likely to dive in deeper snow.
These skis tend to have a decent amount of rocker at both tip and tail coupled with a fairly weak camber, reducing grip and meaning again that the ski can cope better with varying conditions. Effective edge is quite short compared to the overall running length of the ski.
All models are top of the range skis so skiers selecting this category must be technically good, however by their very design all mountain frontside skis are slightly more forgiving than out and out piste racecarve skis and are more tolerant to slightly less competent skiers.
Our Expert All Mountain – All Terrain category of skis features 10 different niche models of the very best of the best medium width all mountain skis on the market.
Skis in this category are characterised by their wider profiles and are designed to be very versatile all over the mountain on- and off-piste. Even at the mid 90s underfoot, they are surprisingly good in most piste conditions but they’re also very versatile in deeper, more variable and chopped up snow and easy to throw around, skid and slide in changeable and tricky conditions. Of course they will never have the speed edge to edge or incredible edge grip of a full on expert level racecarve ski, nor will they float in knee deep powder like something 110 underfoot with an enormous rocker, but they’re not supposed to.
These skis are wide through the length of the ski. The typical sidecut profile of an All Mountain – All Terrain ski would be 127-96-117 compared to a piste ski at maybe 121 / 70 / 101 and a frontside all-mountain model at 120/86/110. The result is far greater floatation in variable and deeper snow with the compromise that the tip on an all mountain all terrain model will engage less quickly in the turn.
On the downside the increased width through the length of the ski does mean that skis are slower edge-to-edge ( further to travel when tipping the ski over ) and are therefore less responsive, accurate and reactive.
Tip and tail shape is also designed to help deeper snow performance and flotation. These skis have a long ,rounded nose coupled with a rounded and turned up tail .
All Mountain -All Terrain Skis tend to be quite soft flexing longitudinally with a smooth and even flex pattern along the length of the ski. Torsionally, now that we’re into the mid 90s underfoot you could expect the ski to collapse but actually many of the better skis in this category feature one or more metal layers and are reasonably stiff torsionally which helps with their performance in harder conditions and groomed snow.
Skis in this category tend to have quite a bit of rocker at both tip and tail coupled with a relatively weak camber, these help the ski power through chopped up snow and difficult conditions with ease. The big rockers do mean the effective edge is quite short so be careful not to go for a ski that’s too short in its overall running length otherwise you will badly hamper performance on harder snow and groomed piste.
All models in this category are top of the range skis so skiers must be technically good, however by their very design all terrain skis are slightly more forgiving than out and out piste racecarve skis and therefore more accessible to slightly less competent skiers.
Our range of 10 all mountain – backside (off-piste ) skis are specialist wide skis designed specifically for use in deeper snow conditions - primarily off-piste. You will not find this type of ski in many rental shops – period.
High performance piste skis are designed to be skied hard and fast, tipped over on their edges and carved – this is where they truly excel.
Skis in this category are characterised by their very wide profiles and are specifically designed for use in deep snow and more variable snow conditions all over the mountain particularly off-piste. All models are at least 99 mms at the waist and a typiclal sidecut profile is 139/112 /129. This means all models have great floatation properties when used in deep snow. Do not expect them to perform well on groomed piste, hard packed snow or ice though!
These skis generally have very very long tips and tails for increased flotation in deeper and softer snow and to give the tail plenty of versatility to deal with unexpected conditions. The affective edge tends to be very very short but it doesn’t matter, these skis are not designed for carving.
We have a choice between skis with a softer flex pattern ( fibreglass only laminate ) that are ideally suited to lighter, fresh snow and stiffer or stronger skis ( titinal laminates ) that are great when charging through deeper chopped up conditions and slush. These stronger skis are also offer better edge grip on firmer snow and ice.
Skis in this range tend to have huge rockers at both tip and tail. The “floaty” models have very little camber whereas the “chargy” ones do have a stronger camber for better drive and edge grip.
These skis are great at what they are designed for but they are not skis for all round skiing. They are designed for a purpose and need to be skied by technically skilled and strong skiers in the conditions they are meant for to get the most from them. For many people, more a ski to be swapped onto for a day with a guide off piste than something to rent for your whole week.
This is our entry level junior range of skis ideal for first time skiers to confident early intermediates. Skis are light so easy to manoever (and carry!), forgiving to ski on and encouraging development to the next level.
A range of more advanced junior ski models ideal for the developing younger skiers to learn how to use their edges and carve turns. Our selected models have a defined sidecut and stronger core construction allowing for better grip at faster speeds.
Recommended for children who have skied 4 or more weeks depending on progress.
This is our range of very high performance, top level junior skis for expert junior skiers - generally those who have skied several times a season for many years, grown up in or close to a ski resort or club skiers. We have full-on race SL and GS models for children who are race training or competing as well as more all round race carve skis for high end general piste use.
We carry the full size range of each model but the sizes produced depend on the style of ski. If your child is towards the lower end of the age or height range mentioned above please contact us prior to booking to discuss the options available.
This is a unique range of proper all mountain skis for children – junior versions of the most popular adult all mountain skis including the Nprdica Enforcer, Faction Dancer and Kastle ZX Alpha - other hire shops do NOT stock this stuff! These skis are ideal for better, more confident junior skiers to venture into deeper more variable snow conditions and have fun with the rest of the family all over the mountain.
We carry the full size range of each model but the sizes produced depend on the style of ski. If your child is towards the lower end of the age or height range mentioned above please contact us prior to booking to discuss the options available.
Our top end junior skis are designed for children who have grown up in resorts or skiing several times a year or who race on dry slopes or snow. We have SL and GS style junior race skis and a small range of junior all mountain and off piste models. These skis need to be skied properly so your child needs to be a strong skier. Suitable for children from around 9 to 12 years depending on their height. Stock is limited especially in peak weeks so please book well in advance.
Our top end junior skis are designed for children who have grown up in resorts or skiing several times a year or who race on dry slopes or snow. We have SL and GS style junior race skis and a small range of junior all mountain and off piste models. These skis need to be skied properly so your child needs to be a strong skier. Suitable for children from around 9 to 12 years depending on their height. Stock is limited especially in peak weeks so please book well in advance.
Our top end junior skis are designed for children who have grown up in resorts or skiing several times a year or who race on dry slopes or snow. We have SL and GS style junior race skis and a small range of junior all mountain and off piste models. These skis need to be skied properly so your child needs to be a strong skier. Suitable for children from around 9 to 12 years depending on their height. Stock is limited especially in peak weeks so please book well in advance.
A totally unique range of skis you’ll not find anywhere else, our Expert Plus category features 23 different models of the very best of the best skis on the market. Choose from short, medium and long-turning piste and racecarve skis – frontside, 50:50 and backside all-mountain options – specialist off-piste models and proper park skis. Niche brands and models that no-one else carries in rental, for good advanced level skiers upwards.
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Our beginner skis aren’t older skis for better skiers, downgraded to beginner level when they’re past their best. They are proper beginner skis for beginner skiers, specifically designed for learning – soft flexing so they’re easy to turn and don’t throw you off balance with every mistake, and wider underfoot to stop them catching and give you plenty of stability.
CDesigned for skiers who have got to grips with the basics and are starting to ski faster and progressing from plough to parallel. These skis are narrower and stiffer than at beginner level so they support the developing skier throughout the turn at slightly higher speeds; are quicker edge to edge, grip better, react more quickly and don’t collapse when edged but encourage carving.
This category covers a wide range of abilities from developed intermediates to technically-skilled skiers who like to take things gently. At the lower level, ski construction and geometry encourage continual development towards clean carving while still allowing you to skid the end of the turn to get out of trouble. Higher end skis in this range are equivalent to the top level offered by most other shops and while mainly focused on groomed slope use also include a range of narrow all mountain skis for deeper conditions.
Our top ranges of equipment are one thing that really differentiates us from other shops. Most shops don’t carry this stuff at all and those that do will have a couple of options, possibly cheap rental look-alikes. We have over 20 different models of brand new, proper top end, retail specific skis in our Advanced To Expert range, We don’t just say you can change your equipment if you want, we have almost endless options for you to change into during your stay.
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Our beginner range of junior skis are wide underfoot for balance and stability and soft flexing, making them easy to turn and meaning they don’t react immediately to the slightest wobble, allowing your child to correct mistakes rather than falling over. The whole point is for them to have fun while learning to ski. Skis go down to 65cms for children as young as two or three and go up to age 12.
Our beginner range of junior skis are wide underfoot for balance and stability and soft flexing, making them easy to turn and meaning they don’t react immediately to the slightest wobble, allowing your child to correct mistakes rather than falling over. The whole point is for them to have fun while learning to ski. Skis go down to 65cms for children as young as two or three and go up to age 12.
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Our top end junior skis are designed for children who have grown up in resorts or skiing several times a year or who race on dry slopes or snow. We have SL and GS style junior race skis and a small range of junior all mountain and off piste models. These skis need to be skied properly so your child needs to be a strong skier. Suitable for children from around 9 to 12 years depending on their height. Stock is limited especially in peak weeks so please book well in advance.
Our top end junior skis are designed for children who have grown up in resorts or skiing several times a year or who race on dry slopes or snow. We have SL and GS style junior race skis and a small range of junior all mountain and off piste models. These skis need to be skied properly so your child needs to be a strong skier. Suitable for children from around 9 to 12 years depending on their height. Stock is limited especially in peak weeks so please book well in advance.
Our top end junior skis are designed for children who have grown up in resorts or skiing several times a year or who race on dry slopes or snow. We have SL and GS style junior race skis and a small range of junior all mountain and off piste models. These skis need to be skied properly so your child needs to be a strong skier. Suitable for children from around 9 to 12 years depending on their height. Stock is limited especially in peak weeks so please book well in advance.
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Snowberry has developed a unique process for fitting ski boots in rental. This process is based on exactly the same principles you would experience in one of the world’s leading retail fitting centres and is based on a 3-Step Process.
The first stage of your boot fit is a thorough examination of both feet to allow us to select the correct shell shape and boot model.
This involves is a unique 8-point analysis –
The information gained from your foot analysis enables us to select the most suitable boot from over 60 different models for adults and another 27 models for kids. The aim is to select the boot that best resembles the shape of your foot which will hold your foot firmly but comfortably.
The key to good bootfitting is shell (model) selection. As every boot model varies in length, width, instep height, volume distribution, ankle and toe box areas, this is extremely difficult.
Wrong shell selection is the single biggest problem skiers have with rental boots.
Very few skiers actually know how to put a ski boot on and clip it up correctly.
For this reason, we personally fit every boot - opening the shell up, sliding your foot in and correctly clipping it up, explaining the importance of this process - especially regarding comfort, boot performance, cold feet and safety issues regarding binding release.
Do not underestimate the importance of this. It sets the foot correctly in the boot, and believe it or not, improves your skiing performance and keeps your feet more comfortable and warmer.
Proper boot-fitting starts by stabilizing the foot and limiting the dynamic mobility of the foot which is the main limiting factor when trying to fit boots correctly. To do this we put orthotics in every boot.
The orthotic is THE ESSENTIAL, without one you will end up with a boot that is far too big, the result - your foot will move around leading to lack of control, pain and discomfort.
It is impossible to fit a ski boot correctly without firstly stabilising the foot using a skier specific orthotic - it simply cannot be done!
Snowberry are the ONLY shop that we know of that actively uses a system of orthotics in ALL our rental boots (even for juniors).
Draw what conclusions you wish from this!
It’s really important that you put your boots on properly every morning. Even though they’re the right size and the right shape, putting boots on incorrectly can result in all sorts of problems – cold feet, sore toes, shin pain and instep and forefoot pressure can all result from putting your boots on wrongly. Your skiing performance can also be adversely affected!
You’d be surprised how many people who’ve been skiing for years don’t know the right way to put their boots on.
For this reason, we show every one of our boot clients how to put their boots on and how to clip up properly.
Standing up, make sure your socks are suitable and are pulled up properly, no wrinkles and are nice and smooth.
Wrinkles and lumps inside the boots can cause rubbing and blisters.
Undo all the clips and open the first boot right up.
Pull the tongue forward AND to the side at the same time – this makes a nice big hole to get your foot in.
Slide your foot in, down and round the corner of the hinge point.
Your toes should slide right to the front of the boot and feel firm against the end of the boot. Don’t panic this is normal and is a sign that the boot is the correct size. When we clip the boot up your toes will be pulled back in the boot away from the front.
Now push your heel well down into the heel pocket at the back of the boot.
Now tap your heel firmly on the ground to force your heel as far back into the boot heel pocket as possible. This will set your heel back into the heelcup of the boot, and your ankle bone into the ankle pocket – the control point of the boot.
Your instep will be pulled back into the highest point of the shell, the forefoot back into the widest point of the shell and your toes will be pulled back from the front of the shell.
Setting the foot correctly is vital to ensure the optimum fit of the boot, improving both general comfort and performance but also specifically aiding forefoot blood supply and helping with cold feet.
Now we need to lock the foot in this position so with the heel set, do the boots up IN THIS ORDER.
In this order –
This is where most people get it wrong!
Tip - If you have a very high instep loosely fasten clip 3 up first to close the boot overlap so that it does not catch.
Stand up and flex into the boot a few times to really slide the heel back into the heel pocket.
Now tighten up the top two buckles to firmly lock the foot in position.
Starting with clip 2 alternate clip 2 then clip 1, one ratchet at a time. Repeat until clips are firmly closed.
Clip 2 is the most important as it holds your heel in the heel pocket of the boot, so it needs to be nice and tight.
Clip 1 should be tight but not uncomfortably so. If it is too tight it can squeeze the calf muscle cutting off the blood supply down the back of the leg.
The micro-adjustments on the buckles can be used to fine-tune the fit.
Loosely close the power band at this point.
Now hook the two forefoot buckles over the first ratchet and flex a few more times.
Next close them properly but NOT TOO TIGHTLY. They should just be tight enough for you to feel the boot around your foot and no more.
Any tighter and you’ll end up with all sorts of problems!
Lastly, re-tighten the power strap so it’s tight but comfortable. Again, you don’t want it cutting off the circulation to your lower leg and foot.
It is safe to say that every single skier, beginner to expert, needs some sort of sports orthotic in their ski boot.
Proper boot-fitting starts by stabilizing the foot and limiting the dynamic mobility of the foot which is the main limiting factor when trying to select the correct shell shape and fit a boot correctly.
To do this we use a skier orthotic.
The orthotic is THE ESSENTIAL part of bootfitting, without one you cannot select the correct shell size and shape and will end up having to use a boot that is far too big, the result - your foot will move around leading to lack of control, pain and discomfort.
It is impossible to fit a ski boot correctly without firstly stabilising the foot using a skier specific orthotic - it simply cannot be done!
Snowberry are the ONLY shop that we know of that actively uses a system of orthotics in ALL our rental boots (even for juniors).
Draw what conclusions you wish from this!
The human foot is an extremely complex structure. It's dynamic in character and constantly changes its shape, volume, height and length as you weight and unweight it - ie as you flex in a ski boot.
So how on earth are you supposed to fit this foot – with no fixed shape or length - into the fixed confines of a hard plastic ski boot without it being at best uncomfortable and at worst excruciatingly painful?
The easy answer is by fitting a boot that is far to big.
Remember that every boot model has a slightly different shape so only certain models are suitable for certain feet.
Only by using an orthotic can we fit you in the correct shape and size of boot.
It is absolutely correct to say that you cannot fit select the correct boot shell and therefore fit a ski boot properly without first addressing foot instability issues.
The orthotic also has many other benefits relating to comfort and ultimately performance.
By supporting and stabilising the foot an orthotic will help to reduce foot movement in the boot which can cause rubbing and bruising. Blood flow is also improved resulting in warmer toes.
A supported foot has better contact with the boot and ski resulting in better feeling and control and it also improves body alignment - all of which lead to better performance.
If you have hired ski boots elsewhere in the past you may very well have experienced at least some of the following problems, all of which can be improved by using an orthotic -
PROBLEM your foot moves inside your boot
PROBLEM you tend to over tighten the front clips of your boots
PROBLEM you sometimes suffer from cramping under the foot
PROBLEM your forefoot goes numb especially when skiing hard
PROBLEM you suffer from cold feet
PROBLEM you get rubbing on your inside ankle bone
PROBLEM your foot continually aches and hurts
PROBLEM you get bruising on your shin
PROBLEM your toes hit the ends of your boots
PROBLEM you find it hard to control your skis
PROBLEM your ski tips wobble when you travel straight
PROBLEM you find edging difficult
PROBLEM you’re getting blisters
PROBLEM you have a bunion
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If you want your equipment to be ready on your arrival, please make sure the information given above is as accurate as possible so that we can reserve the best, most suitable equipment for your needs. Remember that you will be skiing on your gear all day. Your comfort, enjoyment and safety is directly related to the quality and suitability of your gear so take your time and make sure your gear selections are correct.
For reservations made less than 24 hours in advance our shops will do their utmost to ensure that equipment is ready, but this cannot be guaranteed in all cases.
If you want your equipment to be ready on your arrival, please make sure the information given above is as accurate as possible so that we can reserve the best, most suitable equipment for your needs. Remember that you will be skiing on your gear all day. Your comfort, enjoyment and safety is directly related to the quality and suitability of your gear so take your time and make sure your gear selections are correct.
For reservations made less than 24 hours in advance our shops will do their utmost to ensure that equipment is ready, but this cannot be guaranteed in all cases.
If you want your equipment to be ready on your arrival, please make sure the information given above is as accurate as possible so that we can reserve the best, most suitable equipment for your needs. Remember that you will be skiing on your gear all day. Your comfort, enjoyment and safety is directly related to the quality and suitability of your gear so take your time and make sure your gear selections are correct.
For reservations made less than 24 hours in advance our shops will do their utmost to ensure that equipment is ready, but this cannot be guaranteed in all cases.
If you want your equipment to be ready on your arrival, please make sure the information given above is as accurate as possible so that we can reserve the best, most suitable equipment for your needs. Remember that you will be skiing on your gear all day. Your comfort, enjoyment and safety is directly related to the quality and suitability of your gear so take your time and make sure your gear selections are correct.
For reservations made less than 24 hours in advance our shops will do their utmost to ensure that equipment is ready, but this cannot be guaranteed in all cases.
If you want your equipment to be ready on your arrival, please make sure the information given above is as accurate as possible so that we can reserve the best, most suitable equipment for your needs. Remember that you will be skiing on your gear all day. Your comfort, enjoyment and safety is directly related to the quality and suitability of your gear so take your time and make sure your gear selections are correct.
For reservations made less than 24 hours in advance our shops will do their utmost to ensure that equipment is ready, but this cannot be guaranteed in all cases.
If you want your equipment to be ready on your arrival, please make sure the information given above is as accurate as possible so that we can reserve the best, most suitable equipment for your needs. Remember that you will be skiing on your gear all day. Your comfort, enjoyment and safety is directly related to the quality and suitability of your gear so take your time and make sure your gear selections are correct.
For reservations made less than 24 hours in advance our shops will do their utmost to ensure that equipment is ready, but this cannot be guaranteed in all cases.
Our main shop is very conveniently located half way down the main street in the centre of Val d'Isere. Ideal for all town centre accomodation and hotels but also just 50m from the FREE bus service stops that come from all parts of Val d'Isere - La Daille to Le Fornet. So its also easy to access the main lifts and pistes at Rond Point, La Daille and Le Fornet.
Streetside is a true 'Mountain Centre' - our bootlab and 'Ski Genius' desk are located here. You can also book all types of ski instruction as well as other mountain activities such as dog sledging, paraponting and even ice diving here. Our ski 'TECH GENIUS' desk is here whee we will try and answer all your technical equipment questions. The 'Guide 2 Val d'Isere' Info desk is also located at Streetside to answer any queries about te town, accomodation, restaurant requirements etc.
Please note - we cannot operate our courtesy transport service (weekends) to this shop due to parking restrictions so if you think you want a lift to the shop please select our Slopeside shop.
Opening Hours -
Monday 8.30am - 7.00pm / Tuesday - Thursday 8.30am - 12.30am & 3.30pm - 7-00pm
Friday 8.30am - 7.00pm / Saturday - Sunday 8.30am - 8.00pm
Ideally located right next to the access lifts to the main slopes and nursery / beginner area at Rond Point des Pistes. Just walk accross the road and your on the snow front. Easily accessible from all parts of Val d'Isere via the very efficient free bus service.
This is the shop we operate our courtesy transort service to at weekends, we'll pick you up from your accomodation and run you back again once you've got your gear. You can also leave your skis here over night so you don't need to carry them around after skiing - and pick them up again in the morning ready to ski again.
Please note that we can't store boots overnight because there is just not enough room but you can come in wearing your shoes and carrying your boots and then leave your shoes in the shop fot the day.
Please note - you cannot pick-up 'LOWCOST' or 'Touring / Offpiste Safety' gear from Slopeside.
Opening Hours -
Monday 8.30am - 6.30pm / Tuesday - Thursday 8.30am - 12.00am & 3.30pm - 6-30pm
Friday 8.30am - 7.00pm / Saturday - Sunday 8.30am - 8.00pm
Our policy is simple and clear, if you need to cancel all or part of your hire for any reason whatsoever prior to collection of the equipment just drop us an email, we will cancel or amend your booking and immediately refund the full amount you have paid for the hire.
Be aware that most other shops and ski hire websites will only refund if you have paid for additional cancellation insurance, for a strictly limited number of reasons and/or will impose hefty cancellation charges which may be as much as the whole hire price for last minute cancellations.
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Your SNOWBERRY skis are properly and fully serviced before EVERY rental. This includes base repair, edge sharpening, structuring, waxing and detuning.
However, you are also welcome to bring your rental skis or board in any time during the rental period for us to freshen them up again so they’re good as new. This is especially valuable when conditions are very icy.
The condition of your skis / board is critical to how they will perform.
Recently other shops have started offering the option to pay extra to insure so you get your money back if there’s not enough snow to ski. You don’t need to do this!
We give you your money back as part of our normal refund policy for the unused period as soon as you return the equipment to us whether it’s that there’s not enough snow, too much snow, it’s too cold, the weather is too bad or just any other reason at all.
Just to reasure you our refund policy is and always has been that you only pay for our hire services if you do take the equipment, and only for the period for which you keep the equipment. This relates to cancellation or curtailment as a result of Covid 19 in exactly the same way as it does to anything else. If you have to cancel your hire with us because of a new outbreak (or for any reason whatsoever) you WILL get all of your money back, immediately and with no questions asked. No ifs, no buts, no maybes and no fobbing you off with a voucher or telling you to claim on your holiday insurance.
In March 2020 when we were forced to close at a moment’s notice, we immediately and automatically refunded all clients who had booked with us for the remainder of the season without them even having to contact us to request a refund. As far as we know we were the first and one of the very few hire shops anywhere in the World to have done so. Regardless of the legal arguments, we feel strongly that this was the only ethical thing to have done.
Most shops buy very little new equipment each year and you pay the same price whether you are one of the lucky ones who gets newer equipment or one of the unlucky ones who gets skis which are often – we kid you not – five or more seasons old and well past their sell-by date. We don’t think this is fair.
When you book with us we first of all ask you to chose the ability level from Level 1 (cautious beginner) up to a Level 5 expert. But then unlike other shops, you can also choose the age of skis you would like to have, with the final price you pay reflecting both factors. If you want this season’s brand new skis, you’re guaranteed to get them with our Premium Plus Optionstrong> while if you’re happy to compromise with older equipment our Eco Optionstrong> means you will never pay the same as someone who has the new skis. We can’t say fairer than that!
It is safe to say that every single skier, beginner to expert, needs some sort of sports orthotic in their ski boot.
It is safe to say that every single skier, beginner to expert, needs some sort of sports orthotic in their ski boot. It is safe to say that every single skier, beginner to expert, needs some sort of sports orthotic in their ski boot.
It is safe to say that every single skier, beginner to expert, needs some sort of sports orthotic in their ski boot. It is safe to say that every single skier, beginner to expert, needs some sort of sports orthotic in their ski boot.
The human foot is an extremely complex structure. It's dynamic in character and constantly changes its shape, volume, height and length as you weight and unweight it - ie as you flex in a ski boot.
So how on earth are you supposed to fit this foot – with no fixed shape or length - into the fixed confines of a hard plastic ski boot without it being at best uncomfortable and at worst excruciatingly painful?
The easy answer is by fitting a boot that is far to big.
Sounds simple but it works.
Skier orthotics support and stabilise your feet inside your boots, limiting the dynamic behavior – shape, length, height, volume change – and allowing us to choose a shell shape and length that closely resembles that of your foot ie a shell that is not 2 sizes to big!
Remember that every boot model has a slightly different shape so only certain models are suitable for certain feet.
Only by using an orthotic can we fit you in the correct shape and size of boot.
It is absolutely correct to say that you cannot fit select the correct boot shell and therefore fit a ski boot properly without first addressing foot instability issues.
The orthotic also has many other benefits relating to comfort and ultimately performance.
By supporting and stabilising the foot an orthotic will help to reduce foot movement in the boot which can cause rubbing and bruising. Blood flow is also improved resulting in warmer toes.
A supported foot has better contact with the boot and ski resulting in better feeling and control and it also improves body alignment - all of which lead to better performance.
If you have hired ski boots elsewhere in the past you may very well have experienced at least some of the following problems, all of which can be improved by using an orthotic -
PROBLEM your foot moves inside your boot
PROBLEM you tend to over tighten the front clips of your boots
PROBLEM you sometimes suffer from cramping under the foot
PROBLEM your forefoot goes numb especially when skiing hard
PROBLEM you suffer from cold feet
PROBLEM you get rubbing on your inside ankle bone
PROBLEM your foot continually aches and hurts
PROBLEM you get bruising on your shin
PROBLEM your toes hit the ends of your boots
PROBLEM you find it hard to control your skis
PROBLEM your ski tips wobble when you travel straight
PROBLEM you find edging difficult
PROBLEM you’re getting blisters
PROBLEM you have a bunion
The object of these terms and conditions is to define the general conditions of the rental of products offered by:
These terms and conditions apply to all reservations made through the site. They supersede any other conditions or documents. By reserving, the client accepts them fully and without reserve. Skishop reserves the right to modify them at any moment.The conditions applicable are those in vigour at the time of reservation.
The principal characteristics of the equipment and the options offered online are described on the site. Skishop reserves the right at any moment to retract one of more product references or any option featured on the site.The texts, photographs, graphics and information used in the description of products or options are non-contractual and may not be held in any way to bind Skishop. For further information concerning the products or options offered on the site, clients should contact Skishop:
By telephone on +33 (0)479 41 10 61 7 days a week 830 am to 1230 pm and 330 pm to 7pm from December to April only.
By e-mail at service@snowberry-valdisere.com
Or at the following postal address: SAS SKISHOP129 Route des Marais, ZAC de la Gare, 73790 TOURS EN SAVOIE – FRANCE
The equipment and options offered on the site remain available only so long as they remain accessible on line, at Skishop’s sole decision, but subject to the proviso that availability is limited to the amount of stock available.
The rental prices and prices for the options offered on the site are given in Euros, including taxes, and remain valid so long as they remain accessible on the site, at Skishop’s sole decision. Skishop reserves the right at any time to modify the rental prices or the prices for the options offered on the site. The price applicable to a reservation will remain the price in force at the time of the reservation. Promotions or price reductions offered on the site are valid only for reservations made through the site. The price for any equipment rented or option taken in-shop, including additional equipment or options or modifications to a booking made online, will be based on the public prices displayed in-shop. However, for any extension of the rental period requested in-shop prior to the expiry of the initial period the hire cost will be charged in accordance with the prices and discounts applied at the time of the online booking.
Reservation of products and options offered on the site is made online using the following process
The contract consists of the the terms and conditions of booking and online rental prevailing at the time of booking, the reciept by Skishop of the customer’s reservation, the email confirmation of payment and reservation sent to the client. The customer may obtain a copy of these documents on request:- To the following email address : contact@my-ski.fr ;- Or to the postal address :SAS SKISHOP129 Route des Marais, ZAC de la Gare, 73790 TOURS EN SAVOIE - FRANCE
Payment of the rental price is made in Euros. No other currency is acceptable regardless of the nationality of the client or the country from which the booking is made.
Payment is made in advance during the booking process. Payment is made via the secure online Banque Populaire payment system. SKISHOP has access to confidential client information regarding payment as part of this process. The following payment methods are accepted:Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express and other major credit cards)
The booking may be cancelled or amended by the client at any point up to the point of collection of the equipment, by contacting Skishop by e-mail at service@snowberry-valdisere.com or by post at the address given above. The client does not require to give any justification for the cancellation of their booking and no penalty is applied. The right to cancel the contract can not under any circumstances be exercised after the client has taken possession of the equipment. In the case of cancellation of the contract by the client prior to collection of the equipment, the reimbursement of any sum paid by the client in advance will be made within a maximum period of 30 (thirty) days from receipt of the client ‘s request to cancel the contract, by credit card used by the client to pay for the reservation.
The client may collect the equipment reserved at the date, time and place indicated in the confirmation e-mail.At the time of collection, the client must confirm that the equipment collected by them conforms to their reservation. In the event of the client not being satisfied that the equipment collected by them conforms to their reservation they must indicate any discrepancy or anomaly in their own handwriting accompanied by their signature. Failure by the client to indicate any such discrepancy will be held as acceptance that the equipment supplied to the client and collected by them conforms to their reservation.
The rental period is as indicated on the e-mail confirmation of the reservation. Any extension of this period may be arranged in-shop on collection of the equipment or during the rental period. Skishop reserve the right at their discretion to refuse a request for the extension of the rental period, in particular in the event of there being a problem with availability of the equipment. The prices and other conditions applying to this extended rental period will be those applicable at the time of the online reservation.
The client shall be the sole judge of their capacity to use the equipment rented and that of the persons identified as users of the equipment at the time of the reservation request. The client alone is responsible for their use of the equipment from the point when they take possession of it. The equipment rented is destined only for use by the client and those persons indicated as users of the equipment and the client has no right to sub-let the equipment or to lend it to third parties whether for a consideration or free of charge.
The equipment rented must be returned no later than 9 (nine) am on the day following the last day of the rental period. The client will be charged for a full day’s rental on the basis of the public prices available in-shop for any equipment not returned by the said time. In the event of failure to return the equipment for whatever reason the client will be invoiced, in addition to the rental price, on the basis of the following table
For clarity, it is specifically stated that the rental cost will not be deducted from the sums above.
In the absence of handwritten reserves made by the client at the time of collection of the equipment, the client recognises and accepts that the equipment is in good condition at the time of collection and must be returned in the same condition.
All equipment is coded and marked and the same equipment with the identical codes and marks must be returned
In the event of the equipment being damaged in any way due to negligence or deliberate misuse of the equipment by the client, the cost of returning the equipment to good condition will be invoiced to the client. Damage due to negligence or deliberate misuse of the equipment by the client which can not be repaired will be invoiced to the client on the same basis as equipment which has not been returned as outlined in the tables above. For clarity, it is specifically stated that the rental cost will not be deducted from the sums above. In all of these circumstances, where the equipment rental has been paid for by credit card the client authorises SKISHOP to charge all or any sums due as outlined in this article against the credit card used to pay for the reservation. It is specifically agreed that SKISHOP shall be the sole judge of what amount to negligence or deliberate misuse and on whether damage can or cannot be repaired.
At the time booking or at the time of collection of their equipment, the client may elect to select the optional insurance offered by SKISHOP which covers the risk of loss or theft of the skis or snowboards rented. Boots and helmets are not covered by this insurance.The cost of this option is:
This releases the client, subject to an excess being paid by them, from the obligation to pay the replacement cost of the equipment in the event of loss or theft of the equipment rented.The excess for which the client remains liable is as follows:
If the payment for the equipment rental has been made by credit card, the client authorises Skishop in advance to charge any excess due by this same method.
Should any of the equipment rented by the client be returned before the end of the rental period, for whatever reason, the period of rental remaining will be refunded in accordance with the prices and terms and conditions of rental applicable at the time of booking and payment.
Skishop will not be held responsible or liable in any way for any failure:
In no event will Skishop be liable in any way as a result of hypertext links from the site to other web sites. Skishop will not be liable in any event should it be impossible, as a result of the client ‘s fault, to acknowledge receipt of the rental request or to confirm the reservation by e-mail. This will apply in particular where the e-mail address supplied by the client does not exist, is wrong, is not valid or is saturated and unable to receive messages.
This contract is subject to French Law. The language of the contract is French. If the contract is translated into a foreign language the French version will rule.
Any litigation must be submitted to the jurisdiction of the courts in Albertville (France) who will be the only courts of competent jurisdiction.
At the time booking or at the time of collection of their equipment, the client may elect to select the optional insurance which covers the risk of loss or theft of the skis or snowboards rented. Boots and helmets are not covered by this insurance.The cost of this option is:
This releases the client, subject to an excess being paid by them, from the obligation to pay the replacement cost of the equipment in the event of loss or theft of the equipment rented.
If the payment for the equipment rental has been made by credit card, the client authorises Skishop in advance to charge any excess due by this same method.
